Character Theories
.In the context of media, a character theory is useful for analyzing and understanding media when people take on the role of an actor. Character theories are also appreciated within teaching and researching media and film studies as they are useful for describing the structure of different types of media and the roles of the characters being portrayed.
Erving Goffman’s character theory (1959) suggests that there are four main types of characters;
1.) The Protagonist ( The main character - e.g. Phil Mitchell in Eastenders)
2.) The Deuteragonist (Second leading character e.g. Stacey Slater)
3.) The bit player (a minor character whose specific background the audience is not fully aware of – e.g. Archie Mitchell)
4.) The fool (A humorous character who can only use humor to convey messages – e.g. Billy Mitchell )
In every soap there are typical "stockpile" characters which are usually stereotypes. Below are some of the most common found and an example of the character in a certain soap.
The Strong Woman
A powerful and independent woman who is always found at the centre of conflicts and drama. However with this character there is always a nicer, softer side which is revealed through love interests. Most relationships always fail which lead to the character becoming even tougher.
Jacqui McQueen - Hollyoaks Roxy Mitchell - Eastenders Carmel McQueen - Hollyoaks
The Grandparent
An older, more wiser person who is usually female but can also be male. This character goes about their day-to-day life, not bothering anyone else but always being friendly and helping other people with their problems. They are always very popular amongst everybody else because of their genuine and kind-caring nature. All other characters respect and look up to them, and even if this character isn't related to anyone else they will always treat all other characters as if they were.
Patrick Trueman - Eastenders Blanche Hunt - Coronation Street Dot Branning - Eastenders
The Young Couple
A pair of young teenagers who believe they are in love and begin dating, almost always to their parent's dis-approval. They help each other out with any difficulties they are going through.
Peter & Lauren - Eastenders Amy & Josh - Hollyoaks
The Pregnant Teen
A young girl who has gone and got herself pregnant; either by her boyfriend or a random boy. She usually always keeps it secret from everybody including closes siblings, but eventually will confide in a close friend. Sometimes they opt for abortion however some of these characters end up giving birth and keeping their babies.
Danielle - Eastenders Amy - Hollyoaks
Sarah Lou - Coronation Street
The Boss Figure
Usually a male character who is in a position of authority and pulls his weight around everywhere. This character nearly always owns some sort of a land or property (pub, club, restaurant etc) They always become involved in other peoples lives and like to parade their status around in other peoples faces; they like to make their selves well known
Jimmy King - Emmerdale Tony Gordon - Coronation Street Phill Mitchell- Eastenders
The Badboy
This character is always a man who is quite sneaky and keeps themselves to themselves. They become involved in everyone's business and are usually quite good looking; leading you to like the character. They have a lot of power and status which also makes them attractive to female audiences. Most of the other characters are always scared of them.
Warren Fox - Hollyoaks Sean Slater - Eastenders
Music and Camerawork
Settings and Storylines
