Conventions Of A Soap

The four most important conventions of a soap opera are as follows;

• Dramatic Plots
• Cliffhangers
• Dramatic Irony
• The fact that there is no main character
• Community
• The idea that the viewers are omniscient

Dramatic plots are a key element in soap opera's, as they establish the main issue's within the lives of the characters. This also relates to the viewers at home where they can escape.

Cliffhangers are another big convention of soap opera's, which are very essential and consistent. The use of cliffhangers causes suspense and tension, this also intrigues the viewer's to watch the next episode, although the time has passed since the last episode.

Dramatic irony is the situation where the audience realize what will happen next, yet the characters are unaware. These foreshadowing events allow the viewer's to express their emotion towards the drama and allow them to be involved.

The fact that there is no main character is very crucial. This allows many stories to develop and gain publicity, then fade out within a certain time. Furthermore, a sense of community is established when witnessing many different stories merged together.