Melodrama is a theatrical genre characterized by exaggerated emotions, simplistic characterizations, and clear moral distinctions, allowing audiences to experience catharsis. Productions like 'Hollyoaks' cater to younger audiences with diverse and sensational storylines, while also utilizing conventional locations and music to enhance engagement. Similar to 'Hollyoaks', the American soap opera 'Dool' exemplifies melodramatic elements to entertain and facilitate audience connection with characters.

1. By Amelia and Megan.
“The term melodrama refers to a dramatic work
that exaggerates plot and characters in order to
appeal to the emotions”

2. ž Melodrama is more than plot driven: it is a
drama, characterized by exaggerated
emotions, stereotypical characters, and
raging conflicts.
ž
There are no conflicted characters in a
melodrama and it is exaggerated to be funny
yet unrealistic. Melodrama allows the
audience a cathartic experience by rooting
for the good guys, booing the evil guy. Soap
operas come closer, but they have more
complex characters than melodrama allows.

3. ž The stereotyped characters are essential.
They tend to be one dimensional, like the
bad guy is pure evil, usually sneaky evil; the
good woman is pure innocence, the good guy
is brave and good.
stereotypes
Evil/bad
character
The village tart
Damsel in
distress
The village
sweetheart
The hero

4. ž Hollyoaks usually includes sensational
storylines such a dramatic murders and
affairs. Because Hollyoaks target at a
younger audience they use diverse storylines
to attract an audience such as gay affairs,
anorexia, obsession, incest characters, drug
addiction, HIV and surrogacy.
ž Every few months there is a huge storyline
that is built up and carried on for a number
of weeks, to market this the producers uses
huge promos to target audiences.
ž http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWcLUW
3LTwM …

5. ž Incidentally non diegetic is used at the
beginning of each episode to create
atmosphere, which is then faded out once
the characters start speaking.
ž General locations of Hollyoaks depends on
the storyline, usually they involve The Dog in
the Pond (local pub), the sixth form,
characters houses and flats, the SU, or Evissa
(local beautician).

7. ž DOOL is an American daytime soap opera
which is similar to Hollyoaks as it includes
melodramatic storylines and over
exaggerated characters. They are made to be
like this to entertain the audience, and to
heighten the drama. Melodramas give the
audience a cathartic escape, meaning they
can almost relate to the drama happening
and use it as an form as escapism. Producers
want audiences to have a personal
connection with the characters, being drawn
to a character means being drawn to the
soap.