TV Drama Representation

Megan Childs

ClassDownton Abbey is a period drama which represents different classes with the costumes and props they use. For example, in the picture, you can clearly see who are the upper class characters and the lower class characters by the clothes they are wearing. The upper class characters are wearing clothes that look more expensive compared the maids whose clothes are simple. Also the upper class people are at the front and the maids who are of a lower class are at the back. Another example is the setting. In this time period (early 1900’s), the people who owned houses like that would have been extremely wealthy and upper class. These are the ways in which class is represented in Downton Abbey.

However, the soap opera Eastenders represents more middle to lower class people. They also do this with costumes and props. For example, in the picture you can see a family whose clothes look cheap and they appear to be quite ‘chavy’. This is stereotypical for a lower class family. Eastenders is a soap opera set in modern times where it is common to have lower class families who are struggling for money so this family could be relatable for many people. This is how class is represented in Eastenders.

Sexuality

The sexuality of characters in a TV drama is usually shown through their costumes and their body language. For example, a straight, young male is usually represented as strong, good looking and tough whereas a young homosexual male is usually represented as not very tough and quite feminine. Harry Derbidge from The Only Way is Essex is represented as extremely camp and feminine. Whereas, Jack Branning from Eastenders is represented as very tough and strong and is quite a lady’s man.

Disability/Ability

Coronation Street, a soap opera, represents disability in a good way. The character Izzy (pictured) is wheelchair bound but she is still confident and doesn’t let her disability get in her way. She also has a boyfriend, Gary (pictured) and they have a baby. This sends a positive message to the audience that people with disabilities should not be discriminated against and they should have the same confidence as every one else.

Regional Identity

The cast of The Only Way is Essex represent the Essex area in a bad way. The girls love fake tan, makeup and some have fake breasts and it comes across as the whole cast only care about their appearance. This makes the audience believe that everyone from Essex is like this. This is all shown through the mise en scene Examples of this would be that some of the scenes are filmed at beauty and hair salons where the cast get lots of procedure done. Also, the picture shows some of the cast and the girls all have lots of make up and fake tan on and some have their cleavage out. This picture represents the show as being all about looks which could send a negative message to the audience.

Age

Both Eastenders and Coronation Street represent their older cast as quite vulnerable. Dot (pictured below) from Eastenders is alone and has recently had her house burgled. This shows her to be quite and easy target as she is old and helpless. Roy (pictured right) from Coronation Street is also shown to be quite vulnerable. His wife has recently died and he is now alone and isn’t quite sure what to do with himself.

GenderThroughout many TV dramas, men are usually represented as quite tough and manly as they appear to get in fights a lot as a way of solving their problems which is quite stereotypical of men. These photos are from Eastenders, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.

Gender

However, there a many ways in which women are represented. For example, Shirley in Eastenders is quite butch and not very feminine.

Whereas the McQueen family in Hollyoaks all appear to be very feminine and girly shown by the pink room and the fact that they appear to be getting ready for something because one girl has rollers in her hair.