Vladimir Propp's Stock Characters

Vladimir Propp's Stock Characters:
Vladimir Propp's was a Russian Scholar who believe that every story has 8 stock characters. These are:

The Villain - This is clearly the bad guy in the story who directly struggles with the hero, the Villain directly tries to prevent the hero from achieving the goal or quest. Due the the Villain being evil it contrasts between them and the hero.

The Princess - The Princess may be the reward for completing the quest usually marrying the Hero for saving her from the Villain.

The Princesses Father - The Princesses Father is a key figure for the hero to persuade as the Father is usually protective over his daughter.

The Dispatcher - The character who sets the Hero on the mission. It can also be the Princess Father to set the quests to be completed before gaining the Princess hand in marriage.


The (magical) Helper - Supports the Hero on his quest, often magical who appears at critical moments to help the hero get past obstacles and achieve his goals. 

The Donor - The Donor is the person who gives the hero something to help him on his quest usually a magical item.

The Hero - In every story there is a hero who saves the day and and gets the Princess, they are usually portrayed as strong and confident.
The False Hero - A potential complication within the plot they appear to act heroically and may even be initially mistaken for the real Hero. The False Hero tries to take the credit for what the Hero has done and try to marry the Princess instead.

Vladimir Propp’s Stock characters linking with the soap opera EastEnders;

The Hero; Peter Beale – After hearing about the death of his twin sister Lucy he begins to seek comfort in his ex-girlfriend and Lucy’s best friend Lauren Branning and pushes his girlfriend Lola away. After seeking comfort Peter expresses his worries about not being able to get Ian through this hard time after Lauren tell him Ian loves him Peter kisses her but later apologises and says it was a mistake. Still carrying on with their investigation Peter goes out and starts asking questions on the wrong side of London. Coming home with cuts and bruises Lauren says she will help him try and find the cab driver.

The Helper; Lauren Branning – When Lucy’s body is found Lauren is devastated, she leans on Peter for support, she is then tempted to start drinking again after her alcohol problems but Cora he grandmother talks her out of it. Determined to help Peter who she secretly has feelings for find the cab driver who brought Lucy and Jake home the night of Lucy’s murder.

The Villain; Michael Moon – He was involved in criminal activity for example: Investment fraud in April 2012 when he used Jean Slater and Alfie Moons savings to invest into his gym which he then later spends on his wedding to Janine Butcher. Michael Moon is labelled as a competitive and manipulative risk-taker. He is known as a charmer in ladies eyes especially in the eyes of Alice Branning a young girl who fell for Michael’s charm which all began when Michael hires Alice to be the babysitter of his daughter Scarlett Moon. When Janine returns she was sole custody of Scarlett and refuses Michael to see his daughter. Alice later get wrapped up in Michaels little game at trying to see and get his daughter back from Janine. Alice tries to leave Michael and wants nothing to do with him until he kisses her and they have sex, the next day he tells Alice he doesn’t love her and their fling meant nothing to him deeply hurting Alice.

The False Hero; Lauren Branning – Trying to create a close relationship with Peter and trying to push Lola (Peter’s girlfriend) out of the picture, this is then succeeds when Lola goes to the press and leaks information out about Lucy and gains £300, Peter and Lola fight which put Peter in an even worse position. After the fall out Lauren comforts Peter and they share a kiss. Peter feels bad for cheating on Lola and leaves but it is obvious Lauren still has feelings for him.

The Donor; Testimony about cab driver given to Peter Beale and Lauren Branning which is the start of their own private investigation. This was discovered when Jake tells Lauren on the night of their meet up about the cab driver in order to clear his name by saying he was too drunk to cause anyone any pain apart from himself. He claims he woke up in his flat the next morning not remembering much from that night, once officers found traces Lucy had been there did everyone think it was him until when Lauren went to see him and believed he was innocent. This started the quest to find the real killer of Lucy Beale.

The Princess; Lucy Beale – Whose body was found lifeless on the 18^th April 2014 on
Walford Common, Lucy has a secret fling with Lauren’s father Max Branning as well as Lee Carter. Lucy’s and Lees relationship causes tension between Lucy and Max, then during a fight in the car lot lucy is pushed to the ground injuringher head. Later on Cindy becomes jealous of Lucy being the apple of Ian’s eye and tells them to open her jewellery box which they find cocaine in. When Ian confronts Lucy he tell her she was the child he was most proud of and Peter her twin brother over hears this a storms off.  After all of this the next morning Lucy’s body was found on Walford Common by a young girl and her grandfather.

The Princesses Father; Ian Beale – Ian was asked to identify his daughters body once she had been found, sharing the devastating news with Jane, Denise, Cindy, Bobby and lastly Peter. He is now struggling with his grief so Jane takes Bobby away for a little while so he doesn’t have to see his dad in this pain. Ian seeks comfort in his friend Sharon and Phil when he is told her body is released for burial, he wants the funeral as soon as possible where he then discovers the fling between Lucy and Max where he attacks Max as he carried Lucy’s coffin into the church.

Minutes Record Sheet - 30th June 2014

Minute Record Sheet

Date of Meeting: 30th June 2014

Held at: C2

People Present: Annie, Lauren and Sara

Matters Discussed	Action taken by whom	When?
Illogical Verisimilitude  Conversation with ghosts Coming back from the dead Watching down from Heaven	Sara Lauren Annie	In Lesson Time In Lesson Time In Lesson Time

Illogical Versimilitude - Conversations with Ghosts

The Young and the Restless - American Soap Opera
Created a strand about ghosts, this started off when Jerry Douglas who had been dead for years returns to speak to his son. Due to his son Jack being a obsessed business man who is addicted to painkiller, Jerry comes back to tell him that his family are more important and he needs to stop taking the painkillers and drinking scotch and be around his family.

Jerry would appear frequently to talk to his son when no one else was around about his sons mistakes and how he in the end will pay for them unless he changes the way he acts.

After this strand got a high rating of viewers they decided to carry on the ghost story but with a new character, Miss Cassie Newman who was killed in a car accident at the age of 14. Every year on the anniversary of their daughters death her parents come together to grieve over their dead daughter.

However, this time Cassie comes back to speak to her mother, Sharon. It appears that Cassie is not speaking as the voice of reason to her mother but instead telling Sharon what she wants to hear. How her daughter is safe, happy and in a wonderful place, from this strand we see that Cassie is a figment of Sharon's imagination when it is highlighted that Sharon is mentally unstable.

Functions of Melodrama

Catharsis-

This term is used to describe the effects of tragedy on the audience, for example for the audience to get an emotional release. It is derived from Greek, ‘κάθαρσις’ ‘katharsis’ which means purification or cleansing.

There are three mains aspects of catharsis, of which are purgation, purification and intellectual clarification through emotions, most often tragedy.

Many historical figures such as Aristotle the philsopher and Sigmund Freud the psychologist used catharsis within their theories as ways of purification and cleansing.

This links to melodrama because audiences watch it for an emotional release whether it be stress or an underlying conflict within themselves. An easy way to relieve this stress is through watching melodrama because the tragedy creates a subconscious release of emotions and purifies the mind and evokes strong emotions.

Escapism-

This term is used to describe how people use recreational activities as a form of escape from their lives if they are unhappy or have attained negative aspects. Melodrama is a good form of escapism because the strands act as a relief to the audience because the characters are going through their own problems that the audience can either relate to themselves or it makes them feel better about themselves as a whole.
More often than not people watch these things to make their lives seem better, if a character on 'Corrie' is going through a rough patch then it gives the audience a chance to forget their own worries and appreciate how lucky they are.

Realism-

Characters in melodrama are not supposed to be realistic as the whole point of melodrama is to be as dramatic, exaggerated and stereotypical as possible. When on stage the characters speak their lines to the audience rather than to each other, this rules out a sense of realism because its not as if you are looking into the lives of separate character, rather you are being pulled into it. The moment they stop speaking their characters could be lost or the actors can over exaggerate their movements for visual pleasure, where as in order to create a sense of realism the characters must be constantly portrayed and their actions as natural as possible as if it were second nature to them and they were in fact the character and not their own person.

Once again the characters are completely stereotyped and there is not an in between, if a character does bad things they are bad and should always be bad, instead of in soap operas where they are able to change and adapt to the things or people around them being a more complex character.

Melodrama

Stereotypical Characters

Characters in melodramas generally depend on a stereotyped character development, interaction, and emotional themes.

Melodramatic films tend to use plots that often deal with crises of human emotion, failed romance or friendship, strained familial situations, tragedy, illness, neuroses, or emotional and physical hardship.

Victims, couples, virtuous and heroic characters or suffering protagonists, heroines, in melodramas are presented with social pressures, threats, repression, fears, improbable events or difficulties with friends, community, work, lovers, or family.

The melodramatic format allows the character to work through their difficulties or overcome the problems with resolute endurance, sacrificial acts, and stubborn bravery.

 Characters:

 1.  The heroine: good, honest, poor, selfless, beautiful, responsible for a weak or elderly relative, in danger

      2.   The hero: handsome, honest, not particularly clever, defeats the villain

3.  The villain: wicked, handsome, rich and/or powerful, desires the heroine

      4.  Relative of heroine: needy, ill, passive, vulnerable, parent or grandparent

      5.  Sidekick: assists the hero, in thrall to the villain, brings comic relief

Melodrama - Definition and Origin

Melodrama: ‘a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions’ - http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/melodrama

Theatrical History 

The term "melodrama" comes from Greek it means 'melos' meaning music and 'dran' meaning to perform. Melodrama is referenced from an art in which people recite lines over the top of music or alternating between speech and musical sections. 
The compositions are important when discussing melodrama particularly through the use of harmonies and melodies creating motifs for the characters and enhancing the emotional aspects of the plot. 
Melodrama is closely linked to Vladimir Propp through the use of stock characters, for example 'good' and 'evil', the hero has a upbeat sound motif to show he is the hero and he is saving the damsel whereas the villain has a dark sinister sound motif expressing danger.

The earliest use of melodrama goes back to the stage productions of the late 1800s and the early 1900s. Theatres took melodrama to a new level in France in the 19th century, where playwright Rene Charlies Guilbert de Pixérécourt expressed his real-life experiences into his successful plays. 

Towards the end of the 1800s, theatrical melodramas began to fall out of favour. They continued develop the idea of melodrama which was performed privately in homes and small venues. 
Performers only acted a little as they delivered their lines as it was more about reciting the lines rather than acting the part.

The characteristics of a melodramatic performance is:

• "Music drama" the use of music heightened the emotions or signify the character. For example;  the villain.
• Good and evil embodied in stock characters.
• Episodic form - Villain poses a threat, the hero saves the day, happy ending.
• Uses special effects: fires, explosions, drownings and earthquakes.

19th Century Staging increased the interest in historical accuracy. Charlies Kemble's production of Shakespeare's King John (London, 1823) was claimedto be historically accurate after this every production wanted to be historically accurate which lead to realism with the use of lighting increased scenic realism but also the plays themselves were still romanitc and melodramatic but the movement and the acting was realistic.

Towards to 20th century the melodramatic elements started to fade and became less important to theatres, at the time of the silent film in the late 1910s, actors could only use their gestures and facial expressions to get the plot across to the audience. During this time the melodramatic music element was used to enhance emotional aspects of the story 

Melodrama is now used in movies where producers and directors have applied the melodramatic elements these elements are used in classic films. An example of this is in 1946 It's a wonderful life. Considering suicide as an overwhelming emotion. Melodramatic elements of music would have been used to show this as a tragic time for the characters and would try and portray this to the audience.  

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-melodrama.htm
http://novaonline.nvcc.edu/eli/spd130et/melodrama.htm

Conventions of a Melodrama

Sound in Melodramas

Non-Diegetic Sound: Non Diegetic Sound is used in melodramas this are created throughout the scene for example gun shots, slaps and explosions which are sounds that actually happen and not added in afterwards.

Diegetic sound - Diegetic sounds are also used in melodramas but these are added in during the editing section when creating a film or a video. These sounds include glass smashing which is to create realism however it is exaggerated and louder than if it was a Non Diegetic Sound.

Melodramas use music in their films to create exaggeration and over the top drama. This can be included with expressing certain characteristics to a villain for example; sly, danger music to create a tense atmosphere and to portray that character in a bad way.

Lighting in Melodramas

Usually Soap Operas use a range of lighting from natural light when outside 'in the square' to show real life time and that it does turn from day to night in most episodes. However, they also use artificial lighting when inside houses this is to brighten up the room as there is not much natural light that goes inside it. 

EastEnders is a prime example for using both natural and artificial lighting. Natural lighting when outside or in places such as the garage to show time does not stand still it carries on like in the 'real world'. Artificial lighting is also used when in the pub or the Mini Mart, however the lighting they use is naturalistic and using the lighting in the room will determine how bright that room is rather than having a few lights around and dim and the upper lighting above the set on full making it unrealistic lighting.

Audiences

Why people watch soap operas/Audiences

Unlike most other television programmes soap operas portray scenes and events that we can all relate too. We see the actors washing up or cleaning and we are presented with dysfunctional families, and witness the same family and friend arguments and disputes, which often reflect what is happening around us. Furthermore, the soap characters are subjected to the same highs and lows that we experience in our own lives, which include money problems and money problems, making the soap relatable to the audience. It is this realism that creates within us an understanding with the soap character, where we empathise with their predicament and share in their joys and sorrows.

One of the main reasons soap operas are addicting has to do with the story lines. They evolve over time, so something you watched years ago could still affect the characters now. Enemies become friends and then 'frenemies', and viewers stay to their screens, just to see the next evolution of a particular plot line.

Soap opera families are more recognizable than mafia families, and their dramas are serious.

The other enticing aspect of soap operas for the viewer is their realism. 

We created a questionnaire to distinguish the audiences of soaps. We asked a total of 30 people and below are our results:

After we collected our results, it was apparent that more females watch soap operas compared to males and the soaps appealed to a more younger audience of 14 - 20 year olds. Following that statistic, it was apparent that Coronation Street and EastEnders were the most favourable and they would be watched on a regular basis, between every day they are aired and once a week.

Controversial and sensitive storylines

The issue with soap operas is that there are some stories that are just too sensitive for a soap opera to cover. They recognise the idea that the viewers can take some strands too seriously which is why they have to be sensitive around the matter. Most soap operas get away with putting a helpline telephone number at the end of the episode and if anyone has issues with it they can call up and get help and advice.

In the early 1990s soap operas came under criticism in the British media for being too depressing due to scenes containing domestic violence, drugs, rape and racism.

The main sensitive storyline which occurred recently in 2012 caused a major uproar was the cot death and baby swapping strand which raised 6,000 complaints from audience members or of the 11 million that watched it. Due to all of these complaints EastEnders have to shorten the cot death plot once complaints passed 6,000. 

A controversial strand in Hollyoaks in 2009 was terminated after Denise Fergus; mother of Jame's Bulger, who was a young boy that had been murdered, had made her anger about the strand public. The scenes had included two teenage girls admitting to being child killers when they were 12 years old, Hollyoaks pulled the plug on the strand days before transmission to respect the wishes of Denise Fergus.





Back in 1993 Emmerdale aired their Christmas special  which even though was a plane crash and coincided with the 5 year anniversary of the 'Lockerbie bombing' it gave them their highest ever viewing figure of 18
million viewers. The producers were received accusations of making profit from the nation's grief, on the other hand this episode revamped the soap and the strand itself has kept them as one of the most popular British soap operas.

1994 marked the first ever pre-watershed lesbian kiss, aired in Brookside between Beth and Margaret. During that time it was a huge step forward compared to today's standards and caused such an uproar that it was removed from the omnibus for that week and marked a big moment in soap opera history. However this scene helped the show to peak 9 million views and when it was cut from the omnibus there were multiple complaints.

Minutes Record Sheet - Thursday 26th June 2014

Minutes Record Sheet

Date of Meeting: Thursday 26^th June 2014

Held at: G2 (for two lessons)

People Present: Annie, Lauren and Sara

Matters Discussed	Action taken by Whom	When?
Case study on at least one soap opera Investigate when is it okay to be illogical in soap operas Continue with history and evolution on melodrama American case study Stock Characters for a soap opera	Annie Sara Sara Lauren Annie, Lauren and Sara	At Home At Home In Lesson and At Home At Home All in Lesson Time

Soap Operas hit moments gaining more viewers

EastEnders:

EastEnders most watched soap episode in 2012 when it reached 7.3 million viewers for the 7.30pm 

• EastEnders was the most watched soap in 2012 when it reached 7.3m viewers when it was Sharon’s decision which also came to be the most popular strand created by EastEnders. 

• The episode where Sharon returns with Dennis but has no where to go. she looks for comfort in Dot but she declines after her troubles with the council. Next Sharon  goes to Ian but she reveals his fear of becoming ill again with the pressure of Dennis around the house. Sharon decides to swallow her pride and approaches Phil in asking for her job back, after Phil agrees she can come back but not as manager and she has to work under him and Janine.

Soap Opera Trailers

Soap opera trailers are designed to attract the target audience into watching that particular episode which would then end in a cliffhanger making them want to watch the next episode and so on. Producers and Scriptwriters consider this when they create strands into what should happen next and how would they attract their audience to keep watching.

EastEnders Trailer: "There's A Killer Amongst Them"

• This trailer advertises the continuing strand of who killed Lucy Beale which was shown on the 22/04/2014 when Lucys body is discovered that morning on Walford Common. Who killed Lucy Beale? This trailer advertises those who may have been prime suspects and ways in which they hide their crimes. For example: Lauren Branning washing the blood stained shirt or Peter Beale (Lucy's Brother) digging a grave shaped hole into the ground. The creators of this trailer wanted it to look like they are all the murderer through what they are doing and the shots they have picked. This is then suggesting that it could be anyone even someone you would least expect it to be, this create curiosity when watching the Soap Opera.

Hollyoaks Trailer: "The End of Fraser Black

• On the 22nd April 2014: The whodunnit strand was created when Fraser Black was murdered and left floating in the water. This trailer was created to show everyone is a suspect and it could be anyone that killed Fraser Black. The main suspects are: Joe Roscoe, Freddie Roscoe, Sandy Roscoe, Trevor Royle, Sam and Sonny, Danny Lomax, Tegan Lomax, Grace Black and Ste Hay. So who was it? This intrigues the audience into being curious about who they killer really was. Making them watch each episode until it is discovered this the gets the audience hooked on the show. 

Different Genres

How do ‘soaps’ differ from other genres?

Soap operas are different to other genres because there is not a set genre to them; this is why soap operas can go on for a very long time. This is because they can have different genres for each episode or for each strands. An example of this would be EastEnders right now; there is a strand about Lucy’s death which has its own genre of crime or horror. Then there’s the strand about Tina and Tosh which is a whole different genre of affairs or romance. These genres can be mixed around from one episode to the next. Another main genre for Soap Operas is family and relationships; this is a main focus because scriptwriters believe this will help the target audience feel a part of the soap.

Soap operas can change whenever they want or they can create a different strand all together, having this freedom means the audiences never get bored and are always interested onto the idea of something happening next. 

Examples:

Eastenders: Michael Moon's Death creates a crime and horror genre.

Eastenders: Kat and Alfie having a baby creates a family orientated and love genre.