Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of blank verse?

Blank verse is a form of poetry that is defined primarily by its structure. It is characterized by its use of unrhymed iambic pentameter, which consists of lines made up of ten syllables, with a pattern of alternating unstressed and stressed syllables.

The correct answer highlights that blank verse does not have a varying syllable count; instead, each line consistently follows the structure of ten syllables. This feature distinguishes blank verse from free verse, where the syllable count can vary significantly. The use of ten syllables per line and the adherence to iambic pentameter are fundamental characteristics of blank verse, allowing for a rhythmic and formal relationship within the text without the constraints of rhyme.

Understanding these characteristics is essential for identifying and analyzing blank verse in literature, especially in the context of works by playwrights like Shakespeare and Milton, who effectively employed this form.