Representations within TV dramas

Mel Thompson

ClassThe clothes in both dramas are completely different. Downton Abbey connotes a very high class of people, dressed in very smart, expensive clothes and working in a successful job. In comparison to this Eastenders is very casual, with tracksuits and hoodies. Both soaps are London based, but show a big comparison between the lifestyles of the different classes.

Sexuality

TV Dramas usually symbolise different character sexuality by their appearance. A character who is straight is presented ‘stereotypically’, strong, intelligent, brave. However, a gay character is represented as quite shy and more femenine.

Disability/AbilityDisability is represented differently in different dramas. In Coronation Street the character is the wheelchair looks powerful, and appears to be equal to the other characters despite the fact she is in a wheelchair. However, the character in Hollyoaks looks weaker than the able female character, as he is laying on the floor and she is helping him to get back up.

Regional IdentityThe regional identity of the characters are different in both dramas. The character from Waterloo Road appears to be ‘fake’ wearing lots of makeup and dressing like a ‘chav’. The other character is quite plain, with less makeup on and dark clothing. This connotes the left character is more showy and vain than the character on the right, and is more outspoken and troublesome.

AgeThe age of the characters in these dramas are different. The EastEnders character is a lot older than the characters of waterloo road. She is represented as being quite frail, weak and alone, whereas the waterloo road people are together, and they look happy.

EthnicityEthnicty in both these TV dramas are represented differently. Both these weddings are different, but they are both presented as good.

Gender

There are different representations of genders in each TV drama. Here, both these female characters are represented differently. The character in Hollyoaks is represented as being very girly, outgoing and likes shopping. The character in EastEnders is connoted as being quite tough and outspoken.