Stereotypes in TV Drama'sBETHANY LOCK

Gender (Women)

Female characters in TV drama's are typically portrayed as the sidekick to a male hero, that also usually doubles as the damsel in distress. For example, Abby from Primeval. While she is a sidekick with a voice, she tends to get into trouble a lot, which ends with her needing to be saved. Another example of this is Amy Pond from Doctor Who.

Gender (Men)

Typically, male characters are the heroes. They hold the power in the show. They are usually the characters the show revolves around, such as Doctor Who. The Doctor is the hero of the show, and is always saving the day and the damsel in distress.

Age (Young)

In TV drama's, younger characters are typically portrayed as troublemakers, labelling them as the 'typical troubled teen'. This is shown in the character of Dynasty Barry in Waterloo Road, who from her appearance seems like trouble. This can also be seen in the character of Zsa Zsa in EastEnders.

Age (Old)

Older characters are usually well respected and wise. This can be seen in the character of Lady Violet, from the show Downtown Abbey.

Ethnicity

White- Typically very arrogant, uptight, racist, believe they are above everyone else.

Black- Stereotypically into rap music, have a bad attitude, are related to crime in some way.

Asian- Typically very smart, loves food related to their culture, overly religious.

Disability

Characters with disabilities are seemingly always perceived as weak and vulnerable. Most disabled characters are seen in a wheelchair, physically showing their disability.

Sexuality

Homosexual -Female homosexual's are stereotypically portrayed as butch and rather masculine. They usually are seen with a short, boyish hair cut. Male homosexual's are seen as 'camp' and feminine.

Heterosexual- Females are usually seen as weak, feminine and girly. Whereas Males are seen as strong, tough and powerful.

Social Class

Upper- Upper class characters are stereotypically portrayed as rather stuck -up, snobby and rude. They seem like the most unlikeable characters and they usually look down on people that do not also have wealth. Tend to live in large, expensive houses.

Middle- Usually have a good, well paid job, nice family home and a family. They tend to have enough money to get by, even with some spare cash stashed to the side in case of an emergency.

Working- Usually seen as the lowest of characters, sometimes into violence and illegal activities.