1. Character Types in Horror Films

2. HERO
• Very much a male, masculine, alpha male
figure. Although they have tended to be
female in post-modern films.
• Brave character who tends not to show
emotion to lead the group and stay strong
when others may be distraught.

3. Non-Believer
• Portrayed as very cocky and overconfident.
• Convinces other characters that they’re
overreacting and often end up killed first OR
faces the reality of the plot and acts like an
infant when he is frightened.

4. Female Victim
• Portrayed as very weak and vulnerable and
requires protection.
• Are young and attractive and often blonde.
• Follows the blonde stereotypes of being
stupid, attractive and annoying.
• Her behaviour puts the audience on edge and
triggers fake scares on unnecessary occasions.

5. Loved up couple
• A relationship between two characters who
are all over each other.
• They leave the group and are so preoccupied
with each other don’t notice the killer
• One of them will die leaving the other
distraught. (Usually as they are about to have
sex)

6. Hysterical Character
• Fragile female figure (Can be a fragile male)
• As they break down into hysterics after
witnessing the death of a friend.
• Frustrates the audience as they don’t refuse to
leave when in danger.
• This character will either die as a result of
staying put OR the other characters will be
hunted down with her saved until last.

7. Evil Character
• Comes in different forms; Serial killer, demonic
possession, ghost, monster (E.g. vampire,
werewolf, zombie).
• If they are human they would wear masks
disguising their identity and emotions.
• Inhuman as they take a lot to be wounded or
even killed. If they are stabbed they manage
to get back up with minimal harm.
• Other evil characters play on our fears of
monstrous creatures which we believe do not
exist.