The Horror Genre - Character Types

There are a number of typical character types generally found in film based on Vladimir Propp's narrative theory, including the 'hero', the 'villain' and the 'princess', all of which frequently feature across film genres. There are, however, particular character types that are typical of specific genres, and the horror genre is no exception.

Recurring character types found within the horror genre and its various sub-genres include the jock, the sceptic, the final girl, the sage/expert, the reluctant hero, the possessed child, the first victim and the monster/killer.

The Jock

The jock is often an arrogant, rude, young man who is presented as athletic but extremely naive. Self-absorbed and promiscuous, the jock character frequently ends up getting killed relatively early in the film due to their ignorance.

The Sceptic

The sceptic denies or doubts the presence of an evil or malevolent force (the monster) in horror films, and is usually a plot device to create conflict within the group (particularly with the film's hero/central protagonist. Sceptics are often rational, logical and frequently come from a scientific or academic background.

The Final Girl

The final girl character type is a strong female character who outsmarts/defeats the killer and proves to be more resourceful than the other characters. Frequently the final girl remains the only character alive by the end of a horror film due to her strong personality, her intuition, intelligence and bravery, and her resourcefulness. Unlike many of the other female characters in the horror genre, who are often presented as promiscuous, the final girl is morally pure. It is often the final girl's character journey/arc which is at the heart of the film as she moves from appearing relatively ordinary to a courageous survivor.

The Sage

The sage or expert character type provides wisdom and certainty through their knowledge and understanding of supernatural events, and offers a contrast to the sceptic character type in horror films. Their knowledge and experience is often used to provide exposition to the spectator regarding the monster and the malevolent events that shape the narrative, alongside fulfilling Propp's mentor role as they attempt to help/advise the protagonist(s). They also add credibility to events, make the fantastical appear more believable.

Children

It is common for horror films to feature children as victims under threat from the monster, but it is equally common for children to feature as the monster character type. The possessed child subverts conventions of normal society and often provides the narrative threat within the horror genre.

The First Victim

The first victim is usually (though not always) female and will die towards the beginning of the film. The first victim is usually represented as naive, unable or unwilling to see any potential threat until it is too late, and their role in the narrative is to highlight the brutality of the monster/killer and to instantly instill fear in the audience. They are usually kind, innocent and morally good, so that their early death has more of an impact on the audience (and highlights the lack of morality of the monster/killer).

The Reluctant Hero

The reluctant hero will find themselves thrust into confrontation against their will, and will be forced to adopt characteristics alien to them in order to challenge the monster/killer. They will be forced to confront their fears and experience moments of doubt throughout the narrative, before ultimately rising to the challenge. Their character arc will show narrative growth with their initial struggles making them relatable for the audience.

The Monster

The monster character type or the killer is the antagonist of the film and can take many forms. Their physical characteristics often include having a menacing appearance, such as disfigured or unnatural features, though they can be human in appearance rather than supernatural. These characters often have an inexplicable past/origin which drives them to commit evil deeds (with these origins explained either as the plot progresses or in further film prequels or origin stories if the film is successful enough to have a franchise). Often the monster is defeated at the narrative's climax, but frequently these characters are presented as indestructible and return in future films.