Conventional Soap Characters

 I've already discussed some of the contexts and story lines that soap characters feature in, I have not yet detailed the types of characters you will find in a soap opera however. Although there is usually a diverse range of characters in soap, they will often have several, standard, conventional characters. I will be discussing these stereotypes below, by using two different examples: Eastenders and Coronation Street.

Carla Connor                                                                                                 Phil Mitchell

The Boss: This Soap character is often male and has a lot of power or authority, owning a pub or factory where many of the characters work for example, this character is often a 'leader' of sorts and can be some what intimidating. Coronation Street's example of this is difficult to put down, most likely being Carla Connor who owns the factory and a large flat or Steve McDonald who owns the pub. Eastenders example of this can be seen with Phil Mitchell who owns the pub,the club, the cafe and a large house.

Mo Harris

Norris Cole

Troublesome older character: This character is usually very voyeuristic and very interfering, despite faults they usually become quite a loved character as they normally have good intentions deep down or provide some comic relief. Examples of these characters can be seen with Eastender's Mo Harris and Coronation Street's Norris.  

Peter and Leanne Barlow

Kat and Alfie Moon

The Couple: These characters have serious problems with their relationship but face life's problems together nevertheless. This can be seen with Alfie and Kat Moon's relationship in Eastenders, although on the rocks due to affairs and Kat's child being snatched, they attempt to face life's troubles together. In Coronation Street a similar story can be said with Leanne and Peter Barlow, they are in a relationship despite it being filled with lies and cheating.

Rita Sullivan

Dot Branning

The Grandparent- This character acts like stereotypical Grandparent, but to every or most characters. This character is often female and is often very wise and understanding, offering love and support to a range of characters in their time(s) of need. This character is usually very moral and appreciated and respected by all. Said character can be identified with Eastender's Dot Branning and Coronation Street's Rita Sullivan.

Amber Kilirai

Lauren Branning

Young Girl- There is usually a young teen girl who is very strong willed and wants independence from her parents, usually miserable and argumentative.Examples can be seen with Eastender's Lauren Branning who is often arguing with her family or getting into trouble, and similar things occur with Coronation Street's Amber Kilirai.



 Alfie Moon

                                                       Steve McDonald
Jack-the-lad Is often a male character who is manipulative, perhaps starting out as the 'bad guy' of the soap however it is not uncommon for reform to take place and the characters becoming somewhat comic relief, as seen with Alfie Moon (Eastenders) and Steve McDonald's (Coronation Street) characters.

Janine Butcher

Tracy Barlow

The Strong woman: This character usually causes a lot of conflicts and is quite aggressive,powerful as well independent, the character often as a soft side which is rarely seen, however sometimes revealed to a lover.  This could be seen to be Janine Butcher in Eastenders or Tracy Barlow in Coronation Street.