Stereotypical characters used in the horror genre

Jessica Farey

The Protagonist• The protagonist has qualities that make the audience take his

or her side, for example they are smart or courageous/ risk their life

• The plot will revolve around this character, normally because of the danger they are in

• They will be the last one standing• Usually a male character who are stereotypically seen as the

“stronger” sex therefore more likely to survive

The First Victim• Horror films generally open with an establishing scene showing what the

plot of the film will be, for example a murderer leaving a trademark or a curse or myth that comes true

• The first victim is used in most films purely to demonstrate what is wrong and stands no chance of surviving, keeping the audience on edge

• They are often portrayed as stupid or overly curious which ultimately kills them

• The victim is always alone and vulnerable and often female because of the stereotypical idea that they are weaker

The “Non-Believer”• The character who is relaxed and overconfident, doesn’t believe in

supernatural beings etc. and considers themselves safe• Often sarcastic and witty- could be used as a comedy character, this

juxtaposition creates a bigger shock when they die• Often one of the first to die; when this happens it confirms there is

something bad going on, panics the audience• Normally a young, male character

The “Worrier”• The character who leaps to the worst conclusion and is often

right• Usually moral, clever, and takes precautions, advises the rest

of the group• Could be portrayed as male of female (although a female

character would normally be shown as more hysterical)

The Love Interest• There will sometimes be a romantic sub plot within the horror

film and one of the characters will serve as a love interest for the protagonist

• This character is normally the motivation for the protagonist• They will often survive for a large proportion of the film, if not

the whole length• Because the protagonist is generally male the love interest

will be female. They are often a very two dimensional character as their only purpose is to support the protagonist.

The Antagonist• The antagonist, or villain, drives the plot in a horror film. • They are often supernatural “creatures of the night”, such as a

demon, zombie, vampire or spirit, or if they are human then they will often be mentally disturbed

• To build a feeling of suspense the audience do not see this character until the very end of the film. They are the character that has the biggest emotional impact.