This document summarizes research on the portrayal of immigrants in Spanish TV series between 2002-2003. It finds that immigrants are typically shown as young adults from Latin America or Africa, working low-skilled service jobs. Common narratives involve immigrants manipulating or lying to Spaniards for personal gain, or Spaniards helping immigrants out of solidarity despite obstacles. The most common narratives depict Spaniards helping immigrants or immigrants thanking Spaniards for their help. The research analyzed 86 immigrant character roles in popular Spanish TV shows.

3. 1. Immigrant’s characterization Physical appearance, geographical origin, psychological characteristics, professional activity. 2. Narrative roles played by immigrants Narrative roles displayed by immigrants and the fictional universe where immigrant characters are usually placed. RESEARCH TOPICS

5. SAMPLE 1 1 Ana y los siete 1 Código fuego 5 Policías 17 11 Un paso adelante 2 Siete vidas 2 Javier ya no vive solo 3 Los Serrano 4 Hospital Central 41 23 12 El comisario Total Number of plots per TV channel Number of plots per TV serie TV serie

7. 1.2. GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN (29 characters)

12. Diagram: SENDER RECEIVER HELPER SANCTION SUBJECT (MAIN CHARACTER) OPPONENT OBJECT

14. PROTOTYIPIC NARRATIONS ABOUT IMMIGRANTS

15. THE MAIN PROTOTYPIC NARRATIONS: 1. When solidary spaniards take the initiative 2. The spaniard answer to the immigrant’s calling 3. The great liar 4. The fearsome initiative of the well-intentioned immigrant 5. The tragicomedy of the avenging who had a great heart

21. FINAL REFLECTIONS

22. Universitat Pompeu Fabra Departament de Periodisme i Comunicació Audiovisual http://www.upf.edu/depeca UNICA Unitat d’Investigació en Comunicació Audiovisual http://www.upf.edu/depeca/unica Thank you