Soap Characters

Popular settings and memorable theme tunes in soaps are common conventions but the Soaps themselves cannot possibly work without memorable characters also, and this is also a common convention shared among the soaps.
The characters are typically reminiscent of Vladimir Propp's theory on characters, in which each story has a set character representing a typical archetype to keep the stories moving.
These character types generally consist of:
1) The Villain. This character typically creates the drive for the plot, either by causing trouble or antagonising the other characters.
2) The Hero. This character usually helps the victim or princess, who may have been mistreated by the villain.
3) The victim/princess. This character is usually wronged by the villain, and "rescued" by the hero throughout the storyline.
However, to keep the plot dynamic, the soap writers often shift the roles around, in order to keep the format fresh and engage the viewer's interest. This also reflects reality, as nobody acts in a single characteristic throughout their life.
Communities in soaps also represent typical communities in reality also, with character families, friends and others.
Characters in soaps can also challenge contemporary taboos, which, in turn, keep the stories up to date and more dramatic. An example of this is Colin Russell, who made his début on EastEnders in 1986, and was the first homosexual character in the soap.

Much of the story's narrative throughout his time on the show focused around his sexual preferences and his acceptance into the community.