Researching Character Types

 Character Types

        Hello everyone! Although I briefly talked about character types in my last blog post, I wanted to dive deeper into the different roles characters take in a horror/slasher and how they drive the plot forward. The main character types I will be talking about are the masked killer, the final girl, the comic relief character, the cheerleader, and the skeptic. 

~ The Masked Killer

    The stereotypical masked killer is one of the most well-known conventions in horror/slasher movies. The killer becomes more mysterious and fearful for both the audience and the characters themselves when they wear a mask to hide their identity. They appear detached and monstrous due to their lack of facial expression, which increases anxiety since those watching are unable to figure out their motives. They seem almost indestructible, continuing to go after their target no matter the damage they take. By doing this, it makes the characters work harder in order to defeat the killer, extending the plot.

    Silent masked killers (Michael Myers), human psychopaths (Billy Loomis), supernatural beings (Freddy Krueger, Candyman), and taunting killers (Ghostface) are some categories of slasher movie killers.

~ The Final Girl

    The final girl is a trope that particularly refers to the last girl or woman who is still alive to confront the murderer, usually the one who is left to tell the story of the killing. She may have a past connection to the killer and is sometimes shown as more vulnerable, but she fights back using weapons against the killer. 

    The final girl is often shown as smart and observant, usually the first to realize that something is wrong, which helps her survive. She is traditionally portrayed as morally responsible, avoiding behaviors like drugs, alcohol, or risky choices that lead to other characters’ deaths. She is also resourceful and determined, using her surroundings and quick thinking to fight back. By the end of the film, she is often left physically or emotionally scarred, showing how the experience has changed her.

Final girl in 'Totally Killer'

~ The Comic Relief

    In horror/slasher movies, comic relief characters typically fall into categories like the stoner, the nerd or outcast, the joker, or the chatty best friend. At least at first, these individuals use comedy, sarcasm, or jokes to lighten the mood and divert attention from the increasing danger and fear. The viewers can relate to them since they are frequently more likable than the main characters. Although their deaths frequently indicate a change in tone, reminding the audience that the threat is real and the danger is serious, their job is to relieve tension and bring brief moments of laughter.

Marty- The Cabin in the Woods

~ The Cheerleader

    The cheerleader character is a trope that has both vulnerability and popularity. She is often opposite to the innocent and  "Final Girl," being shown as immature, mean, or obsessed with boys. Cheerleaders are often the first victims, especially after participating in dangerous activities, which strengthens the killer's character as a high threat. This character is frequently shown as terrified and hysterical when danger occurs, which enhances the suspense and gives the impression that her death is inevitable. Sometimes it's reversed, and the cheerleader turns out to be the murderer, hiding a darker side behind her cheerful and carefree image.

Mean Girl Personality- There's Someone Inside Your House

~ The Skeptic

     The skeptic is a logical character who denies the idea of a significant or supernatural threat. They generally explain strange events with common sense and ignore warnings from those around them, acting as the opposite of characters who believe something is wrong. Usually, this rejection causes action to be pushed back, increasing the risk and advancing the story. The skeptic is shown the truth too late, and regret, showing that logic itself is useless in a world where there is a large threat.

Richie Kirsch – Scream (2022)

~ Conclusion

    To sum up, character types are important for the creation of horror/slasher movies and for the progress of the plot. Each character, from the masked killer to the final girl, comedic relief, cheerleader, and skeptic, plays an important role in creating tension, fear, and suspense. These characters keep the plot going while helping the audience to easily understand the situation at hand. 

   

~ Sources

- https://www.polygon.com/22735035/horror-movie-masks-jason-michael-myers/#:~:text=Sacks&text=Like%20the%20blank%20and%20shiny,they're%20coming%20after%20you.

- https://nofilmschool.com/best-slasher-villains#:~:text=Michael%20Myers%20('Halloween')&text=Michael%20Myers%20is%20the%20embodiment,to%20come%20back%20for%20more.

-https://horror.fandom.com/wiki/Final_girl#:~:text=4%20References-,History,s%20satirical%20horror%20film%20Scream.

- https://the-artifice.com/six-archetypal-horror-characters-and-why-they-are-important/#:~:text=From%20my%20experience%2C%20there%20has,%E2%80%93except%20for%20me%2C%20apparently.

- https://www.watchmojo.com/articles/top-10-horror-movie-victim-types#:~:text=%238:%20The%20Fat%20One,the%20hands%20of%20Jason%20Voorhees.