Use of stylistic resources for the construction of deviant characters in telenovelas: an analysis of Rudá, from Travessia [“The Path”]

Abstract

This paper discusses how technical resources from audiovisual media contributed to the construction of the character Rudá, from the Brazilian telenovela Travessia, by Glória Perez, telecast by TV Globo. This is a teenager who identifies as asexual and aromantic, defying social, cultural and historical norms on sexuality and behavior. The study employed a literature review on telenovelas and their social relevance, as well as a bibliographic discussion on the representation of sexuality in the media, besides its stylistic analysis of scenes involving Rudá, based on television fiction studies. The analysis showed that the stylistic resources, such as lighting and costuming, were essential to illustrate Rudá’s path towards self-acceptance. Scenes with backlighting and dark clothes suggest confusion and anguish, whereas the change to colorful clothes and brightened scenes signals his process of personal acceptance. The stylistic approach, in the case of the character Rudá, helped to build the narrative of the telenovela, making the asexual identity visible in a symbolic way, deconstructing stereotypes and promoting critical reflection upon social and cultural norms. The presence of deviant characters in telenovelas promotes discussion on sexual diversity in the media, and the use of stylistic resources contributes to the complexity in the construction of these characters. In Rudá’s case, the narrative of Travessia offers media representation of asexuality, which tends to reduce gender and sexuality inequalities and safeguard the right to information and citizenship.