brevity contributes to the exploration of its themes Limited Characters One-act plays often have a smaller cast of characters and a more limited setting Riders to the Sea features a small cast including Maurya the main character and mother along with her daughters Cathleen and Nora There is also a Chorus of Women and the character of Bartley Maurya's son Unity of Time and Place Many one-act plays maintain unity of time and place meaning the events occur in a single location and within a short time frame In Riders to the Sea the action occurs in and around the family's cottage and the events unfold briefly Focused Theme or Conflict One-act plays often revolve around a central theme or conflict and Riders to the Sea is no exception The play explores the theme of the sea as a relentless and tragic force The sea impacts the characters' lives and highlights the harsh realities of island life To wrap up Riders to the Sea is an ideal one-act tragedy providing a concise and impactful theatrical experience