Building Narrative (Discussion)

From Screenpedia

Based in semiotics

Contents 1 Signs of character[1] 2 Signs of performance[1] 3 Star texts 4 Bibliography 5 References 6 External links

Signs of character^[1]

1. Viewer foreknowledge
2. Character name
3. Appearance
4. Objective correlative
5. Dialogue
6. Lighting and videography or cinematography
7. Action

How are these signs of character used to construct the characters in the "Rudy's Sick" episode of The Cosby Show?

• Group 1: Dr. Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable (Bill Cosby)
• Group 2: Clair Huxtable (Phylicia Rashad)
• Group 3: Rudy Huxtable (Keshia Knight Pulliam)
• Group 4: Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) or Theodore "Theo" Huxtable (Malcolm-Jamal Warner)

Signs of performance^[1]

1. Vocal
2. Facial
3. Gestural
4. Corporeal

Star texts

1. Explain how these terms apply to the study of television stars:
   • Group 2: Text
   • Group 3: Intertextual
   • Group 4: Media text
   • Group 1: Polysemy
2. How does the textbook distinguish a "star" from an everyday "actor"?
3. Choose one star principally known for his or her work on television. What are some attributes of his or her polysemy. Explain how, according to Richard Dyer's approach, his or her polysemy is constructed from:
   • Promotion
   • Publicity
   • Characters on TV programs
   • Group 1: Will Smith
   • Group 2: Charlie Sheen
   • Group 3: Ray Romano
   • Group 4: Jennifer Aniston

Bibliography

1. Butler, Jeremy G. Television: Critical Methods and Applications. Mahweh, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2007.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Richard Dyer, Stars

External links