Drama: Codes and Conventions (Initial Idea)
Dramas are serious representations of real life stories or events that the audience can easily relate to, which as a result creates a connection between the characters and the audience. The plot rarely includes fantasy related ideas so that the realism is kept within the genre.
With the definition of a drama being, "an exciting, emotional, or unexpected event or circumstance", these key conventions are repeatedly exaggerated or dramatised to clearly explain how they are feeling.
The Plot
The plot should be realistic and strongly express the emotions and feelings of the protagonist and other characters. These feelings can be emphasised by creating a strong relationship between the main protagonist and the audience which helps them relate to the character and understand what he/she is going through and must therefore overcome.
All dramas need to have an enticing journey that can be followed by the audience whilst ensuring that they are intrigued and wondering what will happen next. At some point in the short film there might be an unexpected plot twist that shocks the audience, however this isn't always necessary and can sometimes just be a complex plot.
Eventually, an emotional peak and/or troth is reached at some point in the short film which portrays the characters feelings and encourages the audience to feel guilty for the character, and additionally understand more about their characteristics.
The Protagonist
The Protagonist of the film must have the right characteristics so that the audience can relate to them and understand the feelings that they are going through. The main protagonist should be going through some kind of an emotional journey that is followed by the viewers throughout the whole of the film. This journey shouldn't be predictable and must have some kind of situation or problem that needs to be solved in order for the journey to continue.
During the film, this character will come across and obstacle that will attempt to get in the way of the main interest that the protagonist is trying to achieve, such as a girl or money.
Characteristics of this protagonist are often the following:
-Vulnerable
- Unstable
- Emotional
- Relatable
- Likeable
Other Traits of a Drama
In a drama, the ignorance of certain stereotypes are often challenged to create conflict between two completely different characters. A drama without conflicting isn't a convincing drama. There should be a connection between characters and the audience on a complex and personal level. The audience should know about each characters background (which can be shown through flashbacks) in order to relate to them and so that they choose which side to be on which as a result entices the audience to continue watching. Dramas will also have some form of therapeutic qualities by showing how the protagonist has overcome difficulties.
Popular Drama Films
- The Godfather (1972)
- Titanic (1997)
- 12 years a slave (2013)
- Forest Gump (1994)
- Gran Torino (2008)
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