In what way is a play unique from other types of literature? A play uses the words and actions of the characters to present ideas. A play is written using a rhyme scheme, unlike other prose fiction. A play is shorter than a novel, and is more fun to read. A play can be read aloud while other prose fiction cannot.

is is #1 a play uses words and actions to present ideas.

the present continuous is a verb tense which is mainly used to indicates that an action is in progress at the moment of speaking.  

it is formed using: person + verb to be (am/is/are) +verb + - ing form  

example: i am studying at this moment .

in addition, the present continuous is also used in order to express things that will or will not happen in the near future.

example: i am having dinner with some friends tonight.

the speaker sometimes   uses it   to express that an action is repeated and it causes irritation on the part of the speaker

example: my sister is constantly complaining about everything.