1. H st or i cal /cost um i eBy Katie Barnes 2. Historical genre: A television production set in a historical era, in which actors wear costumes particular to that era. 3. Codes and conventions Elaborate costumes to create the ambience of that particular time period. Multi stranded narrative (each character has their own storyline) Part of a series Flashbacks used Critically and commercially successful Often scheduled at 9pm On screen scenes are rarely graphic meaning representations are often left to the audiences imagination High production values (location and studio setting, costume design, sound design, star marketing) Distributed in UK and US Audience appeals (based on historical fact) Expensive cast, for example, Dame Maggie Smith. 4. Binary opposites Few binary opposites feature in period drama due to the fact that they are set in a particular era, in which there is not much conflict.However, in some period television dramas, there is sometimes a binary opposite relationship between two people with a difference in class. For example, in Downton Abbey, a conflict can be shown between Thomas and Mr Bates. Mr bates is seen as the hero, and Thomas is seen as the coward. 5. Stereotypes and Archetypes Stereotype: A stereotype is a visual shortcut that is used so that the audience will immediately understand people. For example, in Pride and Prejudice, the stereotype that women should be set up with an eligible bachelor has been used.Archetypes: An archetype is the ultimate stereotype, for example, in Pride and Prejudice, the wealthy man has to marry in order to have legitimate heir to carry on his family legacy. 6. Typical narratives. Typical narratives that are used in historical/period genres are usually multi-stranded narratives based on the character. This means to tell a story from more than one persons point of view. 7. Representations In period dramas and historical dramas such as Downton Abbey or Pride and Prejudice, there are not many representations of sexuality, disability, ethnicity or regional identity. The main representations that are shown in period dramas include age, class and gender. For example, class is very important, and the people that the drama is based around are usually upper class. An example of this is Downton Abbey. 8. Controversial subject matter This genre does not usually include any controversial subject matter due to the fact that in the time period in which they were set, public disputes were rare and usually very formal. 9. Mise en scene plays a main part in this subgenre, due to the fact that the shows need to me made to be believable. The main part of this that is used, is the costume. Period dramas such as Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice are set around the 1920s, therefore everything needs to me made to look believable. As well as this, setting and props need to be taken into consideration to make the whole show seem true. The body language included in shows such as these need to also be taken into careful consideration. The body language used can not be used naturally, shows such as these include wealthy people who are upper class, therefore the actors/actresses that feature need to stand tall and act appropriately for the role.Mise-en-scene