Western Genre Notes Film Studies

Characteristics of the Western Genre The protagonist is a cowboy or a gunslinger who typically moves from place to place. These characters generally wear a cowboy hat, spurs, bandannas, and buckskin. They tend to carry a gun or revolver of some sort and almost always ride a horse.

The conflicts in a western are usually between the cowboy and Native Americans or groups of bandits that are terrorizing small towns. VS.

The vast landscape in a western is often depicted as another character in the story.

Other genres, like science fiction, use the western to create their characters and plot. (i.e. Star Wars)

Most westerns emphasize the values of honor and sacrifice.

The setting of a western can include forts, ranches, homesteads, Indian villages, saloons, general stores, stables, and jailhouses.

The presence of a saloon suggests the setting is in the “wild west.”

That’s all folks!