Individual Genre Research - Characters

There can be many characters within horror films, many different characters can be introduced throughout the course of the film but there will always be the same five stereotypical characters.

1. The First To Go

They are usually the least developed character, can be either male or female and are often either really scary or way too brave which soon causes them to meet their demise. They typically die running away from the group and getting caught by the killer. We never really get to know them as they are often the least developed character with not a developed back story or strong connection with the other characters.

2. Blondie or The Damsel in Distress

She's typically a young beautiful slim girl who's there to give the audience someone to admire during the film but also for sex appeal. She is usually the one who ends up getting left behind and capture by the killer. The main reason for this characters being portrayed within films is so that the audience have something to admire throughout and to keep the male audience hooked.

3. Jock

Usually the guy who's overconfident and think he can handle any situation but eventually finds out he's not as tough as he thinks which can ultimately lead to his demise, this is one of their tragic flaws. He often uses this to show off in front of the Damsel in Distress to impress her which sometimes works but ultimately fails.

4. Survival Expert

They can be either male or female and are usually the leader of the group. They're the survival expert who believe they can get everyone out alive, they're typically rugged but extremely resourceful. They nearly always make it out alive at the end of the movie but if they don't they usually end up dying doing something heroic to save the rest of the group. The audience love these characters as they're always the smart, quick thinking one who helps save everyone.

5. Cold Blooded Killer

And obviously the final one is the killer themselves. They usually hold some sort of grudge against the other characters and want revenge on them but sometimes these characters just get caught up in it all and are in the wrong place at the wrong time. They methods of killing are often very different to each character and are always very creative, they provide a variety of ways so as to keep the audience interested but also to not repeat the same thing over and over again. When the group think they've finally killed them, it'll turn out they haven't which leaves the ending open for a sequel.