Representation, Soap Character

As part of studying Representation we were asked to complete a character description about a soap character using Mise En Scene. I have chosen to describe Zac Dingle from the itv1 soap Emmerdale and Jack Branning from Eastenders. I think they are good examples because they both follow there strict stereotypical role.

Zak Dingle the tradition country farm owner, his strong yorkshire accent and way of dress makes it clear to spot his occupation almost immediately. For instance his dress, he wears very traditional farm clothes, tweeds, browns and earthy colours, his flat cap represents his yorkshire heritage. His flat cap is most probably the best form of representation on Zak, this is a old stereotype of Northerners especially the males of Yorkshire.

I have also chosen Jack Branning because I think that he is the typical east-end hard man, dressed in his sharp suit and with his manly stance he gives off all the wrong signals. As the east-end are traditionally more aggressive and 'violent' Jack's character is all of the above, he is dressed as the businessman (looking like he has money) this contrasting to Zak above who looks like he hasn't got any money to spare. His sly smirk makes him look seedy and unkind almost polar opposites to Zak's welcoming yet cuddly face.

I chose these 2 characters just as a short comparison to the ways in which people are represented in like of there place of living and occupation.