Analysing Opening Sequences and Characters - Conclusion

Opening sequences that introduce characters focus on revealing those characters' traits, the aspects of their personality that are likely to be important later in the narrative. 

This information about character can be delivered in a number of ways including the use of voiceover (which is used in both 'Hot Fuzz' and 'Trainspotting') that brings the audience closer to the character or delivers exposition about them, their figure behaviour/body language and facial expressions, through costumes and props, and even through the way the settings they are in are presented.