Propps characters roles and functions task

1. Soap opera genre –
Propp's character roles
Propp's narrative functions
OCR Media Studies – A2 Level
Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio
Name: HimishaYagnik
Candidate Number: 7244
Centre Name: St Paul’s Catholic College
Centre Number: 64770

2. Trailer 1: EastEnders
‘TheVillain’
• Within this trailer we are demonstrated with two main antagonists, who of
which are responsible for the major disequilibrium (Todorv) – the explosion
. They are represented through the characters of ‘Max Branning’ and
‘Steven Beale’.
• Additionally, the factors such as lighting, camera angles and camera shots
help evidence and emphasis the evil within the character. For example, the
use of a high angle shot acknowledges the dominance of which he holds
over ‘ The Hero’ – Jane as he overpowers her. This also demonstrates the
level intimidation Steven performs. This is highly typical within a Soap
Opera genre as we are continually faced with a character which causes
strain and chaos (Disequilibrium).
• On the other hand, audiences are faced with the character of ‘Max
Branning’ that audiences are familiar with, through the fact that he has
previously instigated acts of violence. The character is seen hurting Jane
(The Victim) and not helping her from the explosion – this is a typical trait
of a ‘Villain’ as they cause harm to the community and develop no
remorse.

3. • This trailer in specific portrays many different disequilibrium's in
one. Therefore, there are three different victims. Firstly, we have
Jane, who is considered the main ‘victim’ as she is trapped
hostage with a highly powerful antagonist ‘Steven Beale’.
• The use of facial expression demonstrates the immediate fear she
withholds connoting a level of hierarchy as ‘Steven Beale’
withholds a confident but intimidating manner. This creates a
struggle within this scene where we are faced with the villain and
hero in conflict.
• In addition to this, the use of a close-up shot of another victim
‘Linda Carter’ portrays a level of upset and trouble – typically
demonstrated by a ‘victim’.
• Lastly, we have ‘Phil Mitchell’ who is seen to be unconscious and
so vulnerable and in need of assistance. Consequently, he is a
person who is helpless and passive and so perceived to be a victim
within the eyes of the audience.
Trailer 1: EastEnders
‘The Hero’

4. Trailer 2: Hollyoaks
‘TheVillain’
• Throughout this trailer, audiences become aware of an aggressive side to
Mac as he continuously performs threat and chaos. This is evidenced
through the use of low-key lighting and camera shots. Low-key lighting is
used to shadow over the character of Mac and connotes an unpleasing
persona as well as demonstrate a level of evil upon the character. Thus
giving him the character traits of a potential ‘villain’.
• As there is no evidence of verbal code throughout this particular scene, we
as an audience, suspect that Mac could be throwing threats upon Hunter.
This is evidenced via the use of a two shot – illustrating pure tension
between the characters and thus creating a ‘struggle’ scenario.
• Additionally, upon the ending of this trailer, we are faced with again Mac
performing a villain-like character trait as he holds up a fire-lit paper
(close-up shot). Audiences become well-aware that this is a malicious act
as the character ‘Neeta’ illustrates upset and devastation. Therefore, Mac
develops no remorse towards the ‘Hero’ and is clearly the antagonist of
the show.

5. • In the trailer, we are faced with a dispute between the characters
of Neeta and Mac and through the use of Neeta’s facial
expressions (mise-en-scene) audiences can acknowledge the fact
that she is a victim of domestic abus. Along with this, she
withholds a level of fear when alongside Mac. A sense of dramatic
irony is presented as audiences are aware of Neeta’s troublesome
manner around Mac, however Mac is completely oblivious
towards it.
Trailer 2: Hollyoaks
‘The Hero’