Codes and conventions of a melodrama genre A level Media Studies

1. Melodrama Codes and
Conventions
Mina Margo Spasic
A Level Media Studies

2. Melodrama
Fundamental genres include sub-genres that create a niche. It is a sub-type of
drama films (other sub-types being: historical, horror, psychodrama,
comedy-drama etc) that uses plots to appeal to the heightened emotions of the
audience. Melodramatic plots often deal with “crises of human emotion, failed
romance or friendship, strained familial situations, tragedy, illness, neuroses or
emotional and physical hardship”.

3. …
A modern melodrama is considered to be a piece of dramatic work that includes a
typically sensationalized plot (in order to achieve emotional appeal from an audience) and
involves detailed characterization. They are usually concentrated on overly sentimental
dialogue.
Characters in melodramas are often drawn and may appear stereotyped. Melodramas are
typically set in the private sphere of the home, focusing on morality and family issues, love
and marriage, often with challenges from an outside source (such as temptress, a
scoundrel, or an aristocratic villain).
A melodrama on stage, filmed or on television is usually accompanied by dramatic and
suggestive music that offers cues to the audience of the drama being persued.

4. 1. Conflict
In a melodrama, conflicts are exaggerated
and intensified to elicit stronger
emotional responses from the audience.
They are often focused on character
relationships rather than larger forces.
Unlike in a drama, where conflict is
realistic that arise from logical and
reasonable series of events.

5. 2. Characters
Many dramas are character-driven pieces. These characters are given realistic personalities and traits with the
intent of reflecting the human population diversity.
However, in melodramas, characters are given stereotypical roles that are derived from six stock characters:
1. Villain, who is the main enemy of the hero. They are evil,
mean, dishonest, greedy vengeful and corrupt.
2. Hero, who is sensitive, honest, moral, brave, handsome
and manly.
3. Heroine, usually persecuted, moral, innocent, kind, gentle,
beautiful, courageous and needs saving.
4. Clown, who provokes laughter, acts foolish and silly.
5. Friend, who is faithful, helping. They can also serve as
comedic relief, however not in an idiotic way.
6. Villain’s accomplice, who serves as comedic relief who is
usually rather idiotic, someone to laugh at.

6. 3. Themes
The differences existent in conflict and characters together also result in a
difference in themes. Dramas focus on larger concepts/themes such as
injustice, inequality, corruption and societal norms.
Melodramas also explored these themes in the past (in the original plays).
However, themes explored in melodramas nowadays that can be seen on
television or cinemas tend to be restrained. They are typically interpersonal and
highly emotional (such as love and family).

7. Examples of Melodrama films