Realism soaps aim to depict realistic portrayals of everyday life rather than idealized versions. They use subtle editing, basic camerawork and lighting to feel natural. Common features include working class characters, ordinary storylines viewers can relate to, and multiple concurrent plotlines that often end in cliffhangers. Realism soaps also focus on characters that reflect audience concerns to build emotional connections.

2.  Emmerdale
 Coronation Street
 Eastenders

3.  Realism soaps are made to not look
constructed with accurate speech and setting
and believable plots, in order to show a more
accurate picture of the world rather than the
idealised version of reality. Different
variations of them include documentary,
social, emotional and dramatic.

4.  In realism soaps the editing is made very
subtle in order to give the audience the feel
of a natural transition between scenes. There
has to be an element of continuity.
 Camera work: Kept simple and avoids any
tricks, as they aim to reflect the genuine
picture. The camera acts as a casual observer,
as if to watch on at the events of the episode.

5.  Lighting is kept very basic, special effects are
not used, lighting is made to replicate
sunlight or lamps within someone’s home.

6.  Stereotypes used in Emmerdale is the setting
of the show, in the rolling hills and showing a
lot of countryside. The characters will often
be working class, working in industry such as
farming. The stereotype can also be
expressed through the clothing or accents.

7.  The narratives featured in realism soaps are
everyday situations that the audience can
relate to. Examples include family arguments
and petty crimes. The plots are open-ended
with usually three or four storylines running
at the same time. There is no overall narrative
as soap operas are designed to be
continuous. Each episode usually ends with a
‘cliff hanger’ to keep suspense and attract the
audience to the next episode.

8.  In soaps the characters drive the plot and act
as figures that the audience can relate to.
 Soap characters reflect the concerns of a
modern audience. For example soaps began
on radio in the 1930s when women stayed at
home, therefore the main characters were
women storylines revolved around them.

9.  The purging of emotions or the relieving of
emotions through certain kinds of art.
 The realism allows audiences to relate to the
emotions and experiences of characters, this
creates an emotional connection.

10.  Other than the theme tune, music is rarely
used in British soaps. For example music
coming from a radio in a house or cafe.