This document defines and provides examples of key elements that comprise a film genre, including the protagonist, stock characters, plot and stock situations, icons, background, and themes. The protagonist is the main character that encounters obstacles to overcome. Stock characters are minor stereotypical roles. Plot and stock situations refer to the sequence of causally related events and frequently recurring sequences of action. Icons are immediately recognizable images associated with a genre. Background refers to the distinct locations associated with a genre. Themes underpinning a genre's narrative often explore universal concepts through binary oppositions.

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Protagonist
Stock Characters
Plot and Stock Situations
Icons
Background
Themes

3. • The protagonist is the main character or one of
the major roles in a narrative.
• A film’s “hero” or protagonist encounters a
variety of obstacles which they must overcome
within the story

4. • The minor characters which are recognised
due to the connotations of the exaggerated
stereotypes of the film

5. • Plot is the events that make up a story,
particularly as they relate to one another in a
sequence, through cause and effect, how the
reader views the story, or simply by
coincidence
• Stock situation is a frequently recurring
sequence of action in a genre

6. • An Icon is a common or recurring image.
These images or iconic elements are
immediately recognisable.
• For example in a Hollywood gangster film, a
central iconic image is the machine gun.
• In this instance it’s a film prop but iconic
features can also be types of costume, sound,
music.

7. • Background is a distinct location which is
associated with that specific genre
• For example a slasher horror film would
normally take place in the suburbs
• The use of spatial and temporal settings can
therefore make a film immediately
recognisable

8. • The genre of films are often underpinned by
universal themes which increase their appeal
to audiences. These themes underpinning a
films narrative are most effective when they
are based on binary oppositions