A melodrama is a dramatic work featuring exaggerated emotions and stereotypical characters intended to appeal to audiences' emotions. Originating in 19th century France, examples include soaps like Hollyoaks and Neighbours. Melodramas employ stereotypes like "the hunk" and storylines involving catharsis, escapism, and characters viewers aspire to emulate. They utilize exaggerated non-diegetic sounds, dramatic lighting, and fast-paced camera work to create tension through their multiple concurrent storylines.

1. RESEARCH TASK
MELODRAMA
Kate Wigley & Grace Donovan

2. DEFINITION:
● A melodrama is a dramatic piece with exaggerated characters
and exciting events
● It is intended to appeal to the emotions of the audience.
● A drama, such as a play, film, or television programme,
characterized by exaggerated emotions & stereotypical characters
ORIGINS:
● The term originated from the 19th century from the French
word ‘Melodrame’
● The word ‘Melo’ means ‘Music’ in Greek
● The word ‘Drame’ is French for ‘Drama’

3. EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
● HOLLYOAKS
● DOWNTON ABBEY
● DAYS OF OUR LIVES
● HOME AND AWAY
● NEIGHBOURS

4. THE GOSSIP
LOVEABLE ROGUE
THE HUNK
STEREOTYPES
SWEETHEART
GANGSTER
TART WITH A
VILLAGE BULLY HEART

5. STORYLINES:
CATHARSIS storylines are when the viewer goes through the
same emotions as the characters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEGybmq1AI0
In this scene of ‘Hollyoaks’ the director wants the viewer to react in the same way that
the characters do.
For example: when Riley gets shot and Mitzeee starts to cry, the viewers may also cry.
This means that the viewers build a relationship with the characters – meaning that
the storyline is ‘Cathartic’

6. STORYLINES:
ESCAPISM storylines are when the viewer needs to escape
from daily woes to something that wouldn’t usually happen in
real life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M3moEeErr8
In this trailer for ‘Downton Abbey’ extravagant manor houses are shown as a form of
escapism for the viewer. The houses shown in this trailer are not something that the
viewers would see everyday so it is a nice way for them to escape daily troubles

7. STORYLINES:
REALISM storylines are when the characters are dressed in
expensive clothes so that the viewer aspires to be like them
These characters are shown to be wearing glamorous clothes, handbags, jewellery and
have ‘perfect’ hair and looks. This is so that the viewer wants to be like them

8. SOUND:
NON-DIEGETIC SOUND:
Throughout Melodramas, non-diegetic sound is used such as
gunshots, slaps and explosions. These sounds are real to the scene
however, they are added in afterwards. Non-diegetic sound is also
used at the start of every Hollyoaks episode as a way to create a
certain atmosphere. This then fades out when the characters start
talking.
DIEGETIC SOUND:
Diegetic sound is also used such as doors slamming or glasses
smashing. These sounds are also realistic to the scene, but they
aren’t added in afterwards.
The different sounds used add to the genre of ‘Melodramatic’ as
the noises can be over-the-top and dramatic.

9. LIGHTING:
The lighting ranges from natural light to artificial light.
In Hollyoaks, artificial lighting is used sometimes depending on
the atmosphere of the scene. Whereas in Eastenders, a slightly
blue colour is used to represent an ordinary and ‘gritty’ lifestyle.
CAMERA WORK:
The camera shots are usually fast paced and short. This is to add
to the drama and build up tension for the viewers. Hollyoaks uses
Close Ups to show the character’s emotions and facial expressions.
Compared to Coronation Street where no Close Ups are used.

10. SCENES:
● An episode of Hollyoaks will last for 30 minutes whilst an episode of
Downton abbey lasts for an hour
● In each episode there is usually 3 or 4 different storylines going on
● Each storyline will start with an establishing shot so that the viewer
knows which story they’re following. Before cutting off to another
storyline there is usually a small cliff-hanger
● Because there are so many different storylines happening, the viewer
feels like they have to watch every episode in order to understand what’s
going on. Whereas in Eastenders, if you miss an episode you will still
understand most of the story

11. COSTUMES:
The type of costumes in Hollyoaks are usually very glamorous and
expensive looking. This is so the viewer wants to dress the same
way and also matches the wealthy lifestyles they live.