The history of Soap Operas

 
                                       History of Soap Operas

A Soap Opera is a phone first coined in the 1930s in the USA. it was used to describe radio series that were sponsored by soap manufacturers.
Conventions of a Soap Opera:

•Usually runs week-in, week-out, all year round

•It features continuous narratives dealing with domestic themes and personal or family relationships

•Has a well-known theme tune


•Bigger casts- however there is a limit to the number of characters available at any one time.

•They're often set around a small, central area such as a square or village

•Features ordinary working class characters

•British soaps aim for realism and realistic plots

•They always end on cliffhangers

•3,4 or even 5 story lines are in place at one time

Characters:
The grandparent figure- wise old person. usually female (This character helps others with their problems with advice and support)

The strong woman- An independent, powerful, aggressive woman. She's usually found at the centre of conflicts Jack-the-lad- A male character that manipulates others to his own ends.

'The Baddie'. Young Couple- A couple that bravely faces the difficulties of life.

Feisty Young Female- A strong-willed girl, almost always young, who desires independence. She's usually argumentative.

Troublesome oldie- Older, grumpy and meddling. Always interferes in other peoples business. This character is still loved for good intentions.

The boss figure- In charge, people can be scared of him, usually a male character