Perhaps the most famous stereotype is that of the "final girl." This is usually a female character who is the last to survive the killer or monster. She is often portrayed as smarter, more cautious, or morally superior to her counterparts. This stereotype is particularly common in slasher horror films, like "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th."
The Promiscuous Couple
In contrast to the "final girl," many horror films portray characters who engage in sexual activity as being particularly vulnerable to attacks by monsters or killers. This is especially true in horror films from the 70s and 80s, reflecting cultural anxieties around sexual liberation.
The Skeptic
This character is the one who refuses to believe in the supernatural or imminent danger, despite all evidence to the contrary. The skeptic often serves as a counterpoint to more credulous characters and is usually one of the first victims when the true horror reveals itself.
The Sinister Stranger
Many horror films explore the fear of the unknown, and this frequently manifests in the figure of the "sinister stranger." This character might be a new resident in town, a visitor from a distant place, or even a figure who is "other" in some significant way. The fear they inspire usually has more to do with the main characters' distrust than with their own actions.
The Creepy Child
This is a particularly common stereotype in supernatural horror films. The "creepy child" is generally innocent at first glance but is revealed to be the source or channel for some kind of malevolent force. Films like "The Exorcist" and "The Others" are notable examples.
The Expert
This character has specialized knowledge about the threat at hand—whether it's a serial killer, an ancient demon, or a zombie plague—and usually serves to provide exposition and guide the other characters (and the audience) through the plot.
Stereotypes, as criticized as they may be, are powerful tools in narrative construction and plot development in horror films. They form the skeleton of the character archetypes we know and expect. However, as the evolution of the genre shows, these stereotypes aren't immutable. Modern filmmakers continue to challenge and reinvent these familiar tropes, creating new forms of suspense and
terror, and proving that even the familiar can become unknown.
