Genre/narrative terminology Flashcards
Antagonist
The main adversary of the protagonist in a media text – the conflict between
the two often drives the narrative forward
Archetype
A universal type or model of character that is found in many different texts,
e.g. hero, villain, damsel in distress
Target Audience
The specific type of person that the producers of a media text are
aiming their product at
Audience
A key Media concept. The recipients of a media text, the people who are
intended to consume a variety of media texts.
Connotation
Meaning created by associations – deeper levels of meaning e.g. red =
danger, passion, love.
Conventions
The widely recognised way of doing something - this has to do with content,
style and form.
Denotation
The literal or surface meaning – e.g. red is the colour of the rose
Genre
A key Media concept. A way of categorising a media text according to its form,
style and content. This categorisation is useful for producers and audiences.
Ideologies & Values
A key Media concept. The set of beliefs and ‘world views’ that are
conveyed in a media text.
Institution
- A key Media concept. The organisations that create and distribute a variety
of media texts.
Narrative
– A key Media concept. The way in which a story, or sequence of events, is put
together within a text
Preferred Reading
The intended meanings or representations of an institution present
in a media text
Protagonist
The main character in the narrative of a media text
Realism
This is when media texts strive to demonstrate a true relationship with the
actual world around us.
Representation
A key Media concept. The way in which the media ‘re-presents’ the
world around us through codes and signs
