Conventions

Definition

Conventions are the established practices and norms that define specific genres in storytelling. They shape audience expectations, guiding how stories are structured, characters are developed, and themes are presented within a particular genre. Understanding these conventions is crucial for screenwriters as they navigate the balance between innovation and audience satisfaction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Different genres have unique conventions that dictate how stories should unfold, like the use of a romantic subplot in a romantic comedy or the presence of a hero's journey in an action-adventure film.
2. While conventions help create familiarity for audiences, breaking or subverting these expectations can lead to innovative storytelling and unexpected plot twists.
3. Conventions include specific character types, plot structures, settings, and themes that are expected within a genre, such as the 'final girl' trope in horror films.
4. Screenwriters must consider conventions not only to meet audience expectations but also to challenge them for creative impact.
5. Genres can evolve over time, leading to new conventions emerging as audiences become more sophisticated and critical of traditional storytelling methods.

Review Questions

• How do conventions shape the audience's understanding of a specific genre?
  • Conventions shape the audience's understanding of a specific genre by establishing recognizable patterns and elements that viewers come to expect. For example, a romantic comedy typically includes a meet-cute, misunderstandings, and a happy ending. These familiar markers guide the audience's engagement with the story, allowing them to quickly identify the genre and predict potential outcomes. This understanding enhances their viewing experience as they relate to established formulas while being open to new interpretations within those frameworks.
• Discuss the impact of breaking genre conventions on storytelling and audience reception.
  • Breaking genre conventions can significantly impact storytelling and audience reception by creating surprises and adding depth to narratives. When writers subvert common tropes, it challenges viewers' expectations, making them more engaged and often prompting them to rethink their understanding of the genre. For example, a horror film that introduces humor or an unexpected happy ending can leave a lasting impression and provoke discussion among audiences about their preconceived notions of what horror should be. This experimentation can elevate a work from being formulaic to becoming memorable and thought-provoking.
• Evaluate how understanding conventions can aid screenwriters in developing original scripts while still appealing to audiences.
  • Understanding conventions enables screenwriters to create original scripts that resonate with audiences by allowing them to play with established norms. By knowing what audiences expect from a particular genre, writers can craft stories that both adhere to these conventions for familiarity and cleverly twist them for originality. For instance, incorporating well-known character archetypes while giving them unique backstories or motivations can enhance engagement without sacrificing genre appeal. This balance between innovation and convention allows writers to satisfy traditional audience desires while also pushing creative boundaries.

Related terms

Genre: A category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter, such as drama, comedy, horror, etc.

Tropes: Commonly recurring themes or motifs in storytelling that can help to establish genre conventions or character archetypes.

Narrative Structure: The framework that underlies the order and manner in which a story is presented to the audience, often influenced by genre conventions.