Moving image genre-form guide online, April 7, 2008 (Melodrama: fictional work emphasizing emotional vicissitudes and tragic occurrences, traditionally presented in an overwrought manner. The plot usually concerns victimized or suffering protagonists and a mixture of difficulties among lovers, family, friends, or the community. The story typically encompasses both familial and romantic themes)

Yee, M.M. Moving image materials, 1988: p. 63 (Melodrama: use for fictional genre films which revolve around relatively passive, suffering protagonists, victimized by situations or events related to society, family, and/or sexuality. Emotion, rather than action, is emphasized, and is usually expressed through music, mise en scene, and production design, as well as character portrayal. The narrative is set in contemporary times and is usually resolved by a "happy ending.")