Character representation in Skins.

The extract is from the begining of the pilot episode of teen-drama Skins, the series revolves around the lives of several teenagers, focusing on character Tony. The very first shot introduces him through a close up shot, which tracks backwards, revealing the rest of his room from a birds eye angle. This encapsulates Tony as the central character and presents the viewers with an equilibrium.

As the sequence continues, we are shown Tony in his room undertaking various of his morning rituals which include excercising and dressing, as well as looking out of his window into his neighbours house to observe her whilst she gets dressed in the morning. He is portrayed as an average teenage boy, who is particular about his appearance, whilst having that cheeky side to him as he lusts after the forbidden, more mature woman who lives across the street. He dresses himself stylishly, and casualy, without appearing like he belongs to a particular or rebellious social group.

His cheeky nature is exhibited as he fools his father by playing his rock music at full volume, and his father reveals that he does this every morning. The father is percieved to be a comical character as he is in a costume which ridicules his physique in comparison to his son and places him in a lower position. The loud music is merely a ploy to cover up for his sister who arrives after what is percieved to be a night of partying, she sneaks into the house and is shown changing from her revealing nightclub outfit into her school uniform. This representation of her is rebellious as she goes behind her parents backs to partake in behaviour they do not approve of. Both children show how they undermine their parents authority and do not take them seriously. The relationship between the siblings is stronger than between parent and child which is reinforced by Tony who supports his sister in sneaking into the house.

The representation of his sister shows her in a much more sexualised way in comparison to the way her brother was portrayed. The camera lingers over her body which is highlighted from the rest of the dimly lit bedroom. This contrasts with her appearance at the breakfast table where she is completely covered by her modest uniform, has no make up on and wears her hair in a pony brewi