Soap Opera Codes & Conventions

Holly Oaks – Include both sexes (Binary Opposition) within the name to show how gender differences will play a major part in the Soap Opera.

Cliff Hangers – Which leaves the audience in suspense as well as wonder of what may have happened next.

Dramatic/intense non – digetic sound

Within Soaps they include: Romance, Love, Conflict, secrets and lies.

Strong female (Rebbeca Feasey) – The inclusion of a female who has masculinity is common within a Soap Opera as it demonstrates the progression of women, as well as how they are now equal to males, and therefore links well with the audience as most of them are from the female gender (Hartley’s theory).

Introduction music – Usually reflects the overall theme of the

Point/of/call – Ending where you see the ident (BBC/Eastenders).

Multi – Stranded Narrative

Basic settings/ Café or a normal house.

Soap Opera Codes &

Conventions

1. Cliff Hangers

Codes & Conventions of the Soap Opera Genre

5. Family relationships

2. Conflict

4. Theme Music

7. Community problems 8. Working class application

3. Real life issues

6. Romance