6/17/2014

Archetypal Soap Opera Characters (Thomas Brown)


Archetypal soap opera characters

The Ultimate Power Couple

A popular or wealthy pairing that receives public interest. The couple may face obstacles within the story line that prevent them being together, for example social class, but ultimately prevail and become 'the power couple'. Due to the nature of soap operas, there is no closure for the characters and so many power couples often divorce and then re-marry, sometimes on more than one occasion.

Example: Ken and Deidre (Coronation Street)






 The Underdog

Someone who is not expected to excel or achieve in their endeavors. They may be victim of social injustice and so there opportunities in life are restricted.

Example: Heather (EastEnders)














The Super Villain

Someone who commits ‘evil’ deeds within the story line and shows ‘evil’ intent within the story line of the soap opera. This character causes negativity for the other characters in the show. They are usually involved crime and are disliked by the members of the audience.

Example: Fraser Black (Hollyoaks)














The Girl Next door

A character who is perceived as familiar to the audience and appears trustworthy and dependable. They may also be seen in this way in the context of a romantic relationship. This character represents purity on the show.

Example: Tina McIntyre (Coronation Street)










The Wayward Youth

A young on the show character who wants their own way regardless of the view or actions of others. They often act against the wishes of the other characters to achieve their desires.

Example: Lauren Branning (EastEnders)












The Rebel

A person who rises in opposition/resistance against an establishment. This character causes issues for themselves and potential for other characters on the show.

Example: David Platt (Coronation Street)














The Straight Laced Good Guy

A character that has good with good conduct and/or morality. They are seen as kind and caring by the other characters as well as the audience members.

Example: Dennis Savage (Hollyoaks)














The Vamp

A character that is always played by a woman. The vamp is someone who is perceived as having certain 'evil' traits, but also has sex appeal. This character uses there sexual nature to manipulate those around them.

Example: Janine Butcher (EastEnders)











The Matriarch

A character who is  always a woman. The Matriarch is head of a family or an organisation and therefore has great power and respect within this group and other characters on the show. This character may also be strong mother-figure.

Example: Moira Barton (Emmerdale)











The Bungler

A character who works and/or acts ineptly and inefficiently within society. This character continually makes mistakes and rarely achieves their goals smoothly and without something going wrong. The audience get pleasure from the comedy that comes from the characters wrongdoings.

Example: Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)