1) Strong, Independent Female.
Each Soap Opera has, or has had experience of a female character that is seen as both 'Strong' and also 'Independant'.
Whilst at first, Stella of Coronation Street was probably seen as 'foolish' for taking back her cheating husband Karl, she has over come this as her role of the pub Rover Returns landlord.
Peggy Mitchell of Eastenders was also a pub landlord, and despite all the trouble and trauma that her character suffered throughout her life, she too overcome this.
Real Life Representation: Caitlin Moran.
I am a HUGE fan of Caitlin Moran, and as her feminist values go, I believe that she is the perfect portrayal for any strong, independent female. In her book named 'How to be a Woman', you learn that at in her late teens/early twenties, she was involved with a guy who didn't treat her right. He constantly ridiculed her etc, but she overcome this, ended things with him, and now she doesn't care what people think or say about her which is why I believe she represents a 'strong, independent female'.
2) Male, Always Involved In Crime...
The Soap Opera that I most feel reflects this representation is Eastenders. Over the years, the Southern community of 'Walford' in London has attracted a lot of males that seem to be a victim of, and also the perpetrator of vicious crime.
Phil Mitchell for example, has been involved in drug addiction, car crashes, a LOT of fighting etc.
Same for Derek Branning, who had a 'mob like' character about him. He too was involved in murder, fighting etc, before he was killed off in the 2012 Christmas Special after he suffered a heart attack.
3) Young, Pretty Female Who Is Loved By Males...
Similar to my first example of a representation, each Soap Opera currently has at least one character that portrays this representation, or has had a number of previous examples that can relate to it. It is an example of 'girls want to look like her, whilst guys want to be with her'.
The current example in Hollyoaks at the moment is probably Theresa McQueen. She is blonde, she is pretty, she has a nice figure, and gains a lot of male attention within the Soap. Jorgie Porter - the girl who plays Theresa - is often a regular hit in lists such as 'FHMs Sexiest Women' etc.
4) Young, Good Looking Male Who Is Loved By Females...
This is the same as Representation Number Three, but from a Male Perspective. It is also the same example of 'Guys want to look like him, whilst Girls want to be with him'.
Joey Branning from Eastenders is one example that I feel is appropriate for this representation. Despite being in the Soap for only a few months, he has already had plenty of female attention.
David Witts - the name of the guy who plays the character - also won 'Sexy Male' at the Soap Awards.
5) The Old 'Nosey' Character...
The character Norris in Coronation Street is the best example of portraying this representation, though each Soap Opera has an example.
Norris is always interfering with other people's gossip, and sharing his opinions, though this tends to add a humourous aspect to the Soap, making it funnier to watch.
Norris's 'friend' (It has never really being revealed whether or not they are in a relationship or what not), Mary, is also the same.
6) Ethnic Families...
As we now live in multi cultural societies, it is always vital that Soap Operas keep up to date to form a sense of realism on how our society is.
In Coronation Street, the example of an Ethnic Family would be Dev and Sunita.
In Eastenders, the example of an Ethnic Family would be the Masoods.
7) The Rebellious Teenager...
In each Soap, there is at least one character that is seen as the stroppy, rebellious teenager.
In Coronation Street, Rosie Webster was an example.
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