What was the balance of realism and drama in particular soaps?

Throughout TV dramas, soaps especially, the producers and directors attempt to have a balance between realism and drama in order to the show relatable and entertaining for the audience.

Soaps use everyday locations, such as the kitchen, bedroom and the street, because of this the show is appears ordinary to the audience, therefore making the show relatable to its audience; both Emmerdale and Hollyoaks have different target audiences, however both shows use similar locations and the characters are involved in everyday activities, such as having breakfast in the kitchen, having a coffee in the cafe or eating lunch out at the pub, although they both have different target audiences the everyday locations are relatable to all different age ranges and genders.

Characters are also used to create a sense of realism, however the drama revolves around the characters and this creates the entertainment; for instance in Hollyoaks the McQueen family and Tony, who all have everday jobs-waiteresses and chefs, but they have huge issues of betrayal surrounding them which is emphesised in order to create entertainment. The different types of characters within the soaps also give a sense of reality, moreso in Hollyoaks than in Emmerdale as Hollyoaks have a wide diversity of characters from disabled characters and black/asian families, however Emmerdale has a majority white cast which takes away the reality of the show as Britain is a multi racial company.