Martin Luther posts the 95 Theses
Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to the door of All Saints' Church, an act of defiance challenging the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences.
Setting
The north entrance door of All Saints' Church (Schlosskirche) in Wittenberg, a prominent Gothic church attached to the castle. The door is made of heavy oak with iron fittings, set in a stone archway. The surrounding square is cobbled, with a few autumn leaves scattered about.
Characters
Martin Luther
primary
A middle-aged man of average height with a sturdy build, his face framed by a tonsured haircut and a short, dark beard. His deep-set eyes convey intensity, and his hands are calloused from years of writing and manual labor.
Church Custodian
secondary
An elderly man with a hunched posture, thinning white hair, and deep-set, wary eyes. His face is lined with age and years of service, and his hands are gnarled from work. He moves slowly but with purpose.
University Student
secondary
A young man in his early 20s with a lean build and an intelligent gaze. His short, light brown hair is neatly trimmed, and his clean-shaven face shows a mix of curiosity and reverence. His hands, though delicate from scholarly work, have ink stains from hours of writing.
Town Merchant
background
A middle-aged man with a well-fed physique, clean-shaven face, and keen eyes that suggest years of shrewd business dealings. His hair is neatly trimmed beneath a stylish hat, and his hands are smooth, unmarked by labor.
Dialog
Martin Luther
Here stand I; I can do no other. God help me. Amen.
Church Custodian
Father Luther, surely such matters ought to be discussed within the cloister... not... not upon the very doors of the church?
Martin Luther
And why not, brother? Shall the truth be whispered in shadows when it ought to be proclaimed from the rooftops?
Church Custodian
But the archbishop... the indulgence sellers... they will not take kindly to this.
Martin Luther
Let them come then! Why does their gold weigh more than men's souls?
Martin Luther
Read them yourself, brother. Then tell me - should such truths remain hidden?