This document summarizes key elements of coming of age films and the drama genre. Coming of age films focus on the psychological and moral growth of a protagonist maturing from youth to adulthood through personal challenges and relationships. Plots are realistic and often involve life lessons learned. Characters develop over the course of the story and grapple with conflicts like parent/child and romantic relationships. Settings are realistic locations that move the character's personal journey forward to a happy or bittersweet conclusion. Audiences for drama films typically range from ages 15 to 45.

1. By Harry Donnelly & Hassan Abdalla

2. Coming of Age:
• A coming of age is film genre that focuses on psychological
and moral growth of a protagonist who is growing from youth
to adulthood. Personal growth is the most important
characteristic in this genre; it relies on emotional responses
and dialogue, rather than action.
• This genre is extremely similar to the drama genre. They both
follow similar codes and conventions.

3. Plot:
• The storylines are usually very realistic.
• The protagonist often faces realistic challenges/everyday
problems.
• A relationship usually breaks down.
• Death and illness is occurs very often.
• The character/s tend to learn a life lesson.
• Hero(ine) always comes out victorious in the end.
• Character realisation at the end.
• Plot often focused around negative things. Eg. Drugs, drinking,
illness, violence.

4. Characters:
• The character usually develops as the storyline
progresses. Which leads to them improving as an
individual.
• Parent/Child relationship
• There is usually conflict between the characters.
• Male or female protagonist.
• The main character usually has to overcome a problem
or dilemma.
• Boy/Girl relationship.
• There isn't always an antagonist – but if so, it is usually
a boy.

5. Elements:
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Usually conflict.
Happy conclusion.
Tension.
Realistic storylines.
Resolution.
Character personal journey.
Dramatized interpretations.
Moral ambiguity.

6. Hybrid Genres:
• Drama braches out into a variety of different sub genres.
Some typical sub genre are as follows:
• Comical Drama
• Psychological Drama
• Horror Drama
• Fantasy Drama
• Romantic Drama

7. Mise-En-Scene: Props & Costumes
• There are a variety of different props and costumes that are
typical of the drama/coming of age genre.
• Typical props in a Drama consist of:
- Guns
- Knives
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Mobile Phones

8. Mise-En-Scene: Setting/Location
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The typical settings of a drama film would beHospitals
Cities
Police Station
Council Estate
A flat
School

9. Audience:
Drama narratives in a drama usually have both male and female
lead characters as this will appeal to both sexes.
The usual age group for drama films are 15 – 45 which shows the
size of the audience targeted.

10. Drama Films you may recognise:

11. Drama Trailers:
• The Dark Knight –
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc0sIIuFY14&saf
e=active
• Django unchained –
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQm6pwCt5Y&safe=active
• The Great Gatsby –
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozkOhXmijtk

12. Thanks for Reading!