Melodrama: meaning, definitions and examples

It is best to refer to a style of dramatic performance characterized by exaggerated emotions, thrilling events, and stereotypical characters.

• The movie was a melodrama with heroes, villains, and dramatic rescues

It applies broadly to any serious story that focuses on character development and emotional themes. It can refer to both film and theater.

• The drama explored complex human relationships and moral dilemmas

This term is often used for long-running television series that focus on sentimental, sensationalized, and episodic storytelling, primarily aimed at domestic viewers.

• She never misses her favorite soap opera which airs every weekday afternoon

It describes a theatrical or cinematic work designed to evoke a strong emotional response, typically sadness, and is often seen as somewhat manipulative.

• The film was a real tearjerker; everyone in the theater was crying by the end

Used to describe a dramatic work that exaggerates characters and events to appeal to emotions, often in an unrealistic way. Typically found in literature, theater, and film.

• The movie was a classic melodrama, with exaggerated characters and a predictable plot.
• She found herself uninterested in the melodrama of his romantic woes.

This term is used for works that specifically aim to evoke sentimental feelings, often by focusing on themes of love, family, or sacrifice. It is commonly used in literature and film.

• The film was a sentimental drama that had everyone in tears by the end.
• She loved watching sentimental dramas because they often explored deep emotional connections.

Refers to any narrative that primarily focuses on generating an emotional response from the reader or viewer. Can be used broadly across genres.

• That book was a deeply emotional story about love and loss.
• He always enjoyed reading emotional stories because they felt so real and impactful.

This phrase is used to describe a story that is designed to provoke a strong reaction through exaggerated or shocking elements. It typically has a negative connotation of being over-the-top or lacking substance.

• The tabloid was full of sensational tales about celebrities' private lives.
• He described the accident with such dramatic flair that it felt like a sensational tale.