Noteworthy Characters - Eastenders

The entire cast are a family as they all interlink with each other and a self contained community within the square.  Eastenders is built around the ideas of relationships and strong  families, this theme encompasses the entire square, making the community a family of upsets and conflict, but pulling together in times of need.


Like every drama, soap and film there are stereotypical characters;

• Good - Dot Cotton 
• Bad - Janine Butcher 
• Heart throbs - Ryan Malloy

However over the years, female characters have become very strong; Lou Beale (Pauline's mum) takes control of the well being of her family. But a iconic matriarch such as Peggy Mitchell are seen as being loud and interfering individuals but most most importantly they are responsible for the well being of the family and are usually stressing the importance of family, reflecting on the past. This particular role has been seen in various reincarnations since the soaps inception, often the centre of the family unit.









Another element key to the success of the soap is the stereotypical strong, brassy, long suffering women who portray diva like behaviour and battle against tragedy and misfortune. These characters include Kathy Mitchell and Angie Watts. Female characters in general are central to programme such as these. Characters such as Stacey Slater and Kat Moon are recurring characters which are often popular with viewers. Often their promiscuity is hidden with vulnerability and a desire to be loved; "Tart with a heart".

Within the soap a gender balance is maintained as various macho male personalities such as the the Mitchell brothers; Grant and Phil, bad boys such as Den Watts and Dennis Rickman and Heartthrobs such as Jamie Mitchell. Over the years, recurring smartly dressed businessman have come in and out of the soap and they are often involved in gang culture, crime and most importantly seen as a local authority figure who people look up to. Such characters include; Steve Owen, Jack Dalton and Andy Hunter.