2. GENDER - MALE
In TV Drama’s stereotypical men are usually
shown in power either by their costume and
props or dialogue for example in Primeval Nick
and Stephen are often carrying guns which
symbolizes power over someone. Power is a
common characteristic in males despite the
setting of the dram whether it is physical or
authoritative.
3. GENDER - FEMALE
Females however are often shown as weak and
needed especially in historical dramas where they
can often be seen in long dresses and moving
gracefully for example Mary Crawley in Downton
Abbey. However there are different stereotypes for
female characters depending on the era of the
drama but the common characteristic that remains
through them all is that the female character needs
a male to save her.
4. AGE - YOUNG
In TV Drama’s, especially soaps young characters
are stereotypically shown as trouble both by their
actions and costumes for example Zsa Zsa out of
EastEnders (right). Her costume is typical to a
“Troublesome teen” and when something
normally goes wrong the first suspect is usually a
young person to back up this stereotype.
5. AGE - OLD
There are several stereotypes for older
characters. The females are usually
portrayed as “old dears” and can be seen
in quite vintage clothing and are
sometimes religious. Older men however
can be stereotyped as troubled with a
secret past. Key examples of this are Dot
and Archie from the soap EastEnders.
6. ETHNICITY
Whites- stereotypically arrogant, racist
and full of themselves. Feel they are
above everyone else.
Blacks – Stereotypically like rap/hip
hop, eat chicken, have bad attitudes and
have usually done time in prison.
Indian – Stereotypically smart, loves
curry, taxi drivers, overly religious.
7. DISABILITY
Disabled people whether it is physically or
mentally are always represented as a weak
and vulnerable person that needs help
doing everything. Physically disabled
people are usually seen in wheelchairs to
connote their disability. However some go
against the stereotype as they can be quite
“feisty”
8. SEXUALITY - HOMOSEXUAL
Homosexuality is usually shown
through the body language, costume
and dialogue of the characters.
Homosexual females are usually
shown as butch and quite masculine
where homosexual males are shown
as camp usually in tight tops or tight
shorts.
9. SEXUALITY - HETEROSEXUAL
Heterosexual males are stereotypically
shown as tough, protective and leaders.
They are dominant and masculine.
Heterosexual females are
stereotypically weak, feminine and
girly. They are seen as subordinate.
10. REGIONAL IDENTITY
Northerners are stereotyped as loud
and rude and of a lower status.
Southerners are stereotyped as
arrogant and well spoken.
Scottish are stereotyped as
humorless, alcoholics who always
wear tartan.
Welsh are stereotyped as those who
herd sheep or mine coal.
11. SOCIAL CLASS - UPPER
Upper class characters are
stereotypically seen in expensive
clothing and can usually be quite
rude and “snobby” which
sometimes makes them unlikable to
other characters.
12. SOCIAL CLASS - MIDDLE
These are usually financially stable
homes who stereotypically have a
good job usually as a doctor or
teacher or owning a successful small
business. They also stereotypically
have some money available on the
side in case of emergency.
13. SOCIAL CLASS - WORKING
Working class are those who work for
money and are usually shown as
selfish. The women are stereotypically
out of control being over sexual and
wearing loud inappropriate clothing.
The males are stereotypically fans of
football and sometimes commit to
domestic violence.
