What type of literary work is primarily written in dialogue for performance?

The correct answer is a type of literary work primarily characterized by its structure and purpose: drama. Drama is specifically crafted to be performed, typically involving dialogue between characters that drives the narrative forward. This form of literature is intended for theatrical presentation, where the spoken dialogue conveys emotions, actions, and conflicts directly to an audience, creating an immersive experience.

In contrast, a poem generally relies on rhythm, meter, and evocation of imagery to express emotions or ideas, often not structured as dialogue. An essay, on the other hand, is a form of prose that explores a specific topic or argument, presenting the author's ideas and analysis, rather than being designed for performance. A novel, while it may contain dialogue among its characters, is primarily a lengthy fictional narrative focusing on storytelling rather than being solely a script intended to be acted out. Thus, drama stands out as the genre that is distinctly composed of dialogue meant for live performance.