Audience expectation

Definition

Audience expectation refers to the preconceived notions and anticipations that viewers have about a story based on genre conventions, cultural context, and previous experiences. These expectations shape how audiences interpret the narrative, characters, and themes presented in a work, influencing their emotional engagement and overall satisfaction with the story.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Audiences bring their experiences and knowledge of genre conventions to every film or show, which influences their expectations about how the story will unfold.
2. When creators blend genres, they can both meet and challenge audience expectations, leading to unique storytelling experiences that keep viewers engaged.
3. Subverting audience expectations can create powerful moments in storytelling, but if done poorly, it can lead to confusion or dissatisfaction.
4. Adaptations must consider how audience expectations might change when moving from one medium to another, impacting character development and narrative structure.
5. Understanding audience expectations is crucial for writers to create satisfying plot twists or endings that resonate with viewers while still feeling earned.

Review Questions

• How can understanding audience expectations help writers create more effective narratives?
  • By grasping what audiences expect from specific genres or storytelling conventions, writers can craft narratives that fulfill those expectations while also introducing surprises or twists. This balance keeps viewers engaged and emotionally invested in the story. For example, a horror film might adhere to traditional scares but then subvert them in unexpected ways, enhancing the overall impact.
• In what ways does blending genres affect audience expectations?
  • Blending genres can significantly alter audience expectations by merging familiar elements from different genres into one narrative. This can create anticipation for how traditional tropes will interact or conflict with each other. For instance, mixing comedy with horror may lead viewers to expect humor in terrifying situations, challenging their usual responses and making for a more dynamic viewing experience.
• Evaluate the importance of considering audience expectations when adapting a novel into a screenplay.
  • When adapting a novel into a screenplay, it's essential to consider audience expectations because readers often have strong attachments to characters and storylines. Adapters must navigate these expectations carefully to preserve key elements that fans love while making necessary changes for the new medium. Successful adaptations strike a balance between honoring the source material and innovating in ways that resonate with both fans of the book and new viewers alike.

Related terms

Genre Conventions: The established rules and characteristics that define a specific genre, guiding audience expectations regarding plot structure, character types, and thematic elements.

Subversion:

The act of intentionally defying or altering established norms or expectations within a narrative, often to surprise or challenge the audience.

Adaptation: The process of transforming a source material, such as a novel or play, into a different medium, often requiring consideration of how audience expectations may shift between formats.