Saturday, 20 April 2013

History of Soap Operas

History of Soap Operas

'Soap Opera' is a phone first coined in the 1930s in the USA. it was used to describe radio series that were sponsored by soap manufacturers.

Conventions of a Soap Opera:
  • Usually runs week-in, week-out, all year round
  • It features continuous narratives dealing with domestic themes and personal or family relationships
  • Has a well-known theme tune
  • Bigger casts- however there is a limit to the number of characters available at any one time.
  • They're often set around a small, central area such as a square or village
  • Features ordinary working class characters
  • British soaps aim for realism and realistic plots
  • They always end on cliffhangers
  • 3,4 or even 5 story lines are in place at one time
Characters:

The grandparent figure- wise old person. usually female (This character helps others with their problems with advice and support)

The strong woman- An independent, powerful, aggressive woman. She's usually found at the centre of conflicts

Jack-the-lad- A male character that  manipulates others to his own ends. 'The Baddie'.

Young Couple- A couple that bravely faces the difficulties of life.

Feisty Young Female- A strong-willed girl, almost always young, who desires independence. She's usually argumentative.

Troublesome oldie- Older, grumpy and meddling. Always interferes in other peoples business. This character is still loved for good intentions.

The boss figure- In charge, people can be scared of him, usually a male character.

No comments:

Post a Comment