The 'Dramatic Monologue' tradition. Tennyson and Browning were masters of this technique in the nineteenth century, often writing about historical and mythological characters. Teachers have to help students recreate, imaginatively, the situation and setting for these monologues for them to be accessible. Although, unlike the ballad, verse novels are mainly written in free verse, they still need to display a controlled rhythm and a cadence resulting from the choice and variation of words and phrases. They should read aloud as well as they read silently.
Performances definitely increase sales.
It is interesting for students to investigate the role of the poet in society. Reflect on some poets, past and present. In ancient times, leaders wanted poets to publicise their deeds and virtues. Bards were influential and often close to their rulers. Today's leaders would be more interested in journalists and mass media barons.