Key character in soap opera - Vladimir Propp
- 1. Key Characters types in soap Genre Jade Thompson
- 2. What is soap Genre? • The definition of an soap opera is an “ongoing works of fiction, and episodic in nature. Soaps are stories told over an extended period, with different characters being featured at different times.” • In soaps it highly unlikely for a storyline to be short or for a storyline only include a couple of characters. Commonly, storyline will contain a various of character and to link with others stories. • With it being a daily show a common trait of soap opera is that each episode finishes with cliff hanger whereas with other sitcoms and TV shows they end with tie up of the story.
- 4. Examples of soap operas • EastEnders • Casualty • Coronation street • Emmerdale • Holby City • Hollyoaks • Days of our lives • The Bold and the beautiful • All My Children
- 5. Why are soap operas popular? • Soap opera receive million of viewers each night for many of reasons which include: • Realism – Soap opera uses social realism that allows the director to represent people and storylines in a way that is accurate and true to life. • Escapism - Creating storylines that reaches the audiences tendency to seek distraction from realities, especially by watching entertainment. • Controversial storyline – Controversial storylines are often used in soaps to grab media and audience attention • ‘Ordinary’ people – British soap operas are reflect of the public allowing viewers to relate. • Logical verisimilitude- This construction of a text of a plausible, believable world. This relies on the weight sense of realism.
- 6. Vladimir Propp • Vladimir Propp was a literary critic who created the idea that in every narrative structure where certain character with a set type of characteristics. • From this idea Propp over history has inspired a large amount of filmmakers to produce successful narratives.
- 7. Key character types – Vladimir Propp 1. The Hero 2. The Princess 3. The Helper 4. The False Hero 5. The Donor 6. The Dispatcher/Messenger 7. Her Father 8. The Villain
- 8. Explanation of the key character type • The hero – This character type is the most popular and takes on the role of defats the villain and falling in love with the princess. One example would be Iron Man. • The princess – The character the need saving from the villain. An example of a princess character would be Fiona.
- 9. Explanation of the key character type • The helper – Helps the hero take on the role of fighting the villain. A example of this is Chewbacca as he help Hansolo fight against the sith. • The dispatcher – This character usually invites the hero to eliminate the evil. An example of this M from James Bond.
- 10. Explanation of the key character type • The Donor – the character that take on the task of preparing the hero and ensure he’s ready to fight the villain. An example of this character used is Yoda from Stars Wars. • The Villain – The character that who fights against the hero but has an element of scare. The villain is likely to wear dark clothing and makeup. One example would be Voldemort from Harry Potter.
- 11. Explanation of the key character type • The False Hero – This character likes to take credit for the action which the hero has done or may appear good but has an ulterior motive. A character that fit this is Anakin Skywalker. • The Father – Acts to rewards the hero for the success.
- 12. The use of Vladimir Propp in soap operas examples Type of characters Definition Examples The Ultimate Power Couple A couple consisting of two people who are equally influential and make it through many challenges. Kat and Alfie The Underdog A person who is not favoured and least likely to succeed. Ian Beale The Super Villain A character who is malicious and get involved with wickedness and crime. Phil Mitchell The Girl Next Door Person perceived as a familiar and dependable, typically in the context of a romantic relationship. Tina The Wayward Youth A younger character who is a troublemaker and causes problems. Lauren Branning
- 13. The use of Vladimir Propp in soap operas examples Type of characters Definition Examples The Rebel Outrageous, radical and outspoken Lucy Beale The Straight Laced Good Guy Generally liked by audience, well behaved and nice Tamularr Masood The Vamp A female character that dresses well and like male attention and prays on men. The female also uses there sexuality methods to exploit other characters (usually men). Kat Setter The Matriarch Female, head of the family and use power and authority. Zainahb Masood The Bungler The character that is usually seen as a joke and everything always goes wrong from them Billy Mitchell