Key features of TV dramas

Some Features of Soap Operas

Never ending storylines - the serial form resists narrative closure. Open endings, the so called 'cliff-hanger' is a narrative device aimed at retaining audiences.

Multiple Plots and Characters - Storylines are usually interwoven. Scenes move continuously between different characters and plots.

Moral nature of storylines - we are invited to make moral judgements about characters and plots i.e. should Michelle have an abortion or keep the baby? Storylines based on personal and family relationships.

Social and domestic settings - e.g. shops, pubs, homes, motels etc. - potential for unlimited storylines.

Strong Female Characters – women are shown as relatively powerful either in domestic or professional settings. (relates to traditional female audience). Male characters tend to be weaker and/or more sensitive than in traditional drama.

Simplified characters - for easy recognition, sometimes to the point of being stereotypes.

 

Crime dramas

Crime dramas revolve around the actions of a criminal mastermind. A Crime drama will often revolve around the criminal himself, chronicling his rise and fall, or around the law and the relationships of the characters. Some Crime dramas will have a storyline that follows the criminal's victim, yet others follow the person in pursuit of the criminal. This genre tends to be fast paced with an air of mystery – this mystery can come from the plot or from the characters themselves.

 

Fantasy dramas

Crime film is a genre that revolves around the action of a criminal mastermind. A Crime film will often revolve around the criminal himself, chronicling his rise and fall. Some Crime films will have a storyline that follows the criminal's victim, yet others follow the person in pursuit of the criminal. This genre tends to be fast paced with an air of mystery – this mystery can come from the plot or from the characters themselves. Series such as Merlin, uses CGI alongside real actors and locations. 

 

Youth dramas

Youth dramas usually revolve around the actions and consequences of young people. They are usually set in locations or events that would appeal to young people such as festivals and parties. There are usually adults in the storyline but with less significance than teens. On the contrary, youth dramas can take place in location that do not appeal to young people such as Tracy Beaker, set in a foster home.