Research on Characters - Eastenders

Before deciding on what treatment was best out of the pitch ideas I produced I decided to take a further look into Eastenders and depict some different characters and there traits. This research will also help me when the final treatment as I can include some of the traits found in characters within our soap.

Lan Beale
Lan's always wanted to be more than an East End barrow boy, but things haven't always gone to plan.

First appearance: 19.02.1985

Marital Status: Married

Address: 45 Albert Square

Occupation: Caterer/Entrepreneur

Most likely to say

I've got to clinch this deal by 5pm.

Tanya Branning

Family is paramount to Tanya. Max was the love of her life, but his affair with Stacey destroyed their marriage, and nearly destroyed her.

First appearance: 27.06.2006

Marital Status: Engaged

Address: Outside of Walford

Occupation: Salon manager

Most likely to say

This really is the last time, Max.

Stacey Branning

Stacey's aim in life is to look after number one, and stuff everyone else! She's no angel, a

nd she's learned how to twist the truth to suit her.

First appearance: 02.11.2004

Marital Status: Widowed

Address: 23 Albert Square

Occupation: Stall holder

Most likely to say

Like that's gonna stop me!

Jay Mitchell

Street-smart Jay has been hit hard by the death of his mum, grandmother and dad, Jase.

First appearance: 14.12.2006

Marital Status: single

Address: 55 Victoria Road

Occupation: Student

Most likely to say

Got a problem?

After conducing research into four different characters within Eastenders I was able to understand common traits expressed in characters. For example we have the father/business man who often whats to clench deals in order to better his family. We also have the mother figure, who always has her childrens best interests at heart. Stacey is a teenager who is constantly causing trouble and getting herself into tricky situations. This character trait can be used in my trailer as I feel many audience members will find this interesting. Jay has faced heartbreak in his life which many people can relate to which is why he is a successful character in Eastenders. Heartbreak will be a narrative I will convey in my treatment as I feel this will create realism.

I will now watch this episode of Eastenders and anaylise it. I feel this will be important for me as I will be able to identify the common characters within soaps along with the shot types and movements that work best within the soap. It will also be good practice to see the kinds of narrative stories that are introduced in order for me to understand what audiences expect to see within a soap. I will also anaylise the realism and sense of community that is introduced in Eastenders.