The document provides an overview of the soap opera genre, defining it as an ongoing, episodic fiction characterized by long storylines and multiple characters. It discusses the popularity of soaps due to realism, escapism, and relatable storylines, and introduces Vladimir Propp's character types that often feature in narratives, such as the hero, villain, and donor. The document also lists examples of these character types within popular British soap operas.

1. Key Characters types
in soap Genre
Jade Thompson

2. What is soap Genre?
• The definition of an soap opera is an “ongoing works of fiction, and
episodic in nature. Soaps are stories told over an extended period,
with different characters being featured at different times.”
• In soaps it highly unlikely for a storyline to be short or for a storyline
only include a couple of characters. Commonly, storyline will contain
a various of character and to link with others stories.
• With it being a daily show a common trait of soap opera is that each
episode finishes with cliff hanger whereas with other sitcoms and TV
shows they end with tie up of the story.

4. Examples of soap operas
• EastEnders
• Casualty
• Coronation street
• Emmerdale
• Holby City
• Hollyoaks
• Days of our lives
• The Bold and the beautiful
• All My Children

5. Why are soap operas popular?
• Soap opera receive million of viewers each night for many of reasons
which include:
• Realism – Soap opera uses social realism that allows the director to represent
people and storylines in a way that is accurate and true to life.
• Escapism - Creating storylines that reaches the audiences tendency to seek
distraction from realities, especially by watching entertainment.
• Controversial storyline – Controversial storylines are often used in soaps to
grab media and audience attention
• ‘Ordinary’ people – British soap operas are reflect of the public allowing
viewers to relate.
• Logical verisimilitude- This construction of a text of a plausible, believable
world. This relies on the weight sense of realism.

6. Vladimir Propp
• Vladimir Propp was a literary critic who created the idea that
in every narrative structure where certain character with a
set type of characteristics.
• From this idea Propp over history has inspired a large
amount of filmmakers to produce successful narratives.

7. Key character types – Vladimir Propp
1. The Hero
2. The Princess
3. The Helper
4. The False Hero
5. The Donor
6. The Dispatcher/Messenger
7. Her Father
8. The Villain

8. Explanation of the key character type
• The hero – This character type is the most popular and takes on the
role of defats the villain and falling in love with the princess. One
example would be Iron Man.
• The princess – The character the need saving from the villain. An
example of a princess character would be Fiona.

9. Explanation of the key character type
• The helper – Helps the hero take on the role of fighting the villain. A
example of this is Chewbacca as he help Hansolo fight against the
sith.
• The dispatcher – This character usually invites the hero to eliminate
the evil. An example of this M from James Bond.

10. Explanation of the key character type
• The Donor – the character that take on the task of preparing the hero
and ensure he’s ready to fight the villain. An example of this character
used is Yoda from Stars Wars.
• The Villain – The character that who fights against the hero but has an
element of scare. The villain is likely to wear dark clothing and
makeup. One example would be Voldemort from Harry Potter.

11. Explanation of the key character type
• The False Hero – This character likes to take credit for the action
which the hero has done or may appear good but has an ulterior
motive. A character that fit this is Anakin Skywalker.
• The Father – Acts to rewards the hero for the success.

12. The use of Vladimir Propp in soap operas
examples
Type of characters Definition Examples
The Ultimate Power Couple A couple consisting of two people
who are equally influential and
make it through many challenges.
Kat and Alfie
The Underdog A person who is not favoured and
least likely to succeed.
Ian Beale
The Super Villain A character who is malicious and
get involved with wickedness and
crime.
Phil Mitchell
The Girl Next Door Person perceived as a familiar and
dependable, typically in the context
of a romantic relationship.
Tina
The Wayward Youth A younger character who is a
troublemaker and causes problems.
Lauren Branning

13. The use of Vladimir Propp in soap operas
examples
Type of characters Definition Examples
The Rebel Outrageous, radical and outspoken Lucy Beale
The Straight Laced Good Guy Generally liked by audience, well
behaved and nice
Tamularr Masood
The Vamp A female character that dresses
well and like male attention and
prays on men. The female also uses
there sexuality methods to exploit
other characters (usually men).
Kat Setter
The Matriarch Female, head of the family and use
power and authority.
Zainahb Masood
The Bungler The character that is usually seen
as a joke and everything always
goes wrong from them
Billy Mitchell