Frozen uses genre, narrative, and representation to appeal to its target audience of families with children. As a Disney animated musical fantasy film, it employs familiar genre conventions like animated musical numbers. Narratively, it uses devices like flashbacks and a circular structure to enhance enjoyment. In its representation, it appeals to audiences through relatable characters like Elsa and Anna that conform to some stereotypes but also subvert expectations.

1. Frozen and Audience
To understand how genre, narrative and
representation can be used to appeal to
an audience and be able to apply this
idea to Frozen.

2. Privileged spectator position Where several narrative strands run simultaneously throughout and
interweave until the conclusion .
Split screen narratives This narrative device is used at the end of an episode where the drama
is left unsolved.
Three strand narratives Audience view from an unusual position – this is accepted by an
audience as it enhances their enjoyment.
Slow Motion Allows an audience to see things from different perspectives.
Flexi-narratives This sometimes happens when we are shown several mini-narratives
at the same time for different reasons.
Cliff-hanger Camera places audience in a privileged position within the narrative.
Shown aspects characters can’t see.
Flashbacks Manipulation of time in order to focus an audience on a specific
moment. It can also be use to create dramatic tension.
Point of view/ positioning Used to give audience additional info. Manipulates time and space and
sometimes shows relevant back-story –interrupting the linear narrative.
Apparently impossible positions Where the narrative starts at the end and then explores the action up until
that point. Sometimes it is only at the end that the narrative makes sense.
Circular narrative A complex narrative structure with layers of interweaving narratives. This
challenges audiences and keeps them intrigued.
Narrative Devices: Unscramble

3. Who is the target audience?
• Initial thoughts: Why would someone choose
to watch Frozen?

4. Jigsaw
• In groups of three, divide up the following:
– Genre
– Narrative
– Representation
You should investigate how your key concept helps
appeal to and target an audience.
You should apply this to Frozen.
Use the handouts to help you
You have 15 minutes
End

5. Targeting and appealing to AUDIENCES
Genre and audience Narrative and audience Representation and audience

6. Arrange yourselves by colour
• Genre:
• Narrative:
• Representation:
You have two minutes each to teach your group
what you have discovered.
End

7. Plenary
Construct a paragraph explaining how Frozen
uses genre, narrative and representation to
appeal to its audience.
You may want to begin with explaining who you
think the target audience is and why.
Then using your notes complete the paragraph
using specific examples and correct
terminology and theories.

8. Genre and Audience
• What genre does Frozen fall into?
• How is genre used to appeal to audiences?
• How do these genres help target audiences?
• How do subgenres appeal?
• The use of intertextuality/ Easter Eggs
• What generic conventions are particularly
appealing?
• Give specific examples
• What issues are there with the genre of Frozen?
• What audience theories can you apply?

9. Narrative and Audience
• How does the narrative structure of Frozen
appeal to an audience?
• What narrative devices are used? How are they
appealing?
• Give specific examples
• What narrative/ audience theories can be applied
here?
• Consider how the audience have been positioned
– what about this will appeal to the audience?

10. Representation and Audience
• How are the characters represented? How does this help
appeal to an audience?
• Use of stereotypes
• Conforming/ reinforcing/ subverting?
• Whose side are we on?
• Consider Propp’s theory
• Consider audience positioning in the representation of
characters
• How is place represented? Would this appeal/alienate
audiences?
• Use specific examples
• What theories could be applied to Frozen?