A ballad is a song that tells a story and was originally accompanied by music and dance. There are several common features:
1. The beginning is very abrupt
2. The language is simple
3. The story is told through dialogue and action
4. The theme is often tragic
5. There is often a refrain or chorus
Secondary common features include:
1. The ballad detailing a single event
2. Lack of surrounding description
3. Events relayed swiftly
4. Strong dramatic element
5. Impersonal narrator