An Analysis of the Dilemma of Shaping the Characters of Female in TV Dramas in the 21st Century in China

Abstract

At the beginning of the 20th century, China's female consciousness gradually awakened and "her" culture became prosperous, which led to a great increase in the production of TV dramas created with women as the center and aroused widespread attention and discussion. However, there are obvious dilemmas in the portrayal of women in these dramas. This paper aims to bring dynamics and breakthroughs to the portrayal of women in dramas by analyzing the dilemmas. Using a case study approach, this paper selects two Chinese TV dramas -Ode to Joy and Nothing But Thirty -as case studies to explore the dilemma of portraying women in Chinese 21st century TV dramas. The limitations of image portrayal prevent TV dramas from spreading an advanced and forward-looking female consciousness for the society and fail to bring new dynamics and vitality to popular culture. This not only causes aesthetic fatigue and resistance among audiences but also is not conducive to the development of China's TV drama industry. It is even more negative to the further reflection of society on gender consciousness. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and discuss the dilemma of portraying women in TV dramas. Taking Ode to Joy and Nothing But Thirty as examples, this paper summarizes the problems in the portrayal of women in Chinese TV dramas in the 21st century into three dilemmas, which are the dilemma of stereotyping images, the dilemma of lack of true expression, and the dilemma of lack of social guidance. The specific expression is the stereotyping of aesthetic temperament and self-worth realization process; set-up of characters and their experiences are not realistic; female characters cannot inspire the audience. The article analyzes the reasons for the dilemma, including the fact that social aesthetics and value judgments are male-dominated; the creation is detached from reality to satisfy the audience's perception and to gain more popularity; the lack of thinking on the reality of women and the inability to break through the stereotypes of thinking. The last part of the paper proposes measures to break out of the dilemma from the perspective of the subjects involved in culture, including creators, viewers, the TV drama industry, the media, and the government.