Character Conventions in horror

stereotypical characters

the antagonist

This character will be usually be the one who is behind the evil on-goings or in other words, 'the killer'. It may be revealed later on in the film that this character has had an unforgiving past that has led them to be the way they are. In addition, if they are human, they will typically wear masks, such as Ghost Face from the Scream franchise, to hide their true identity. This could suggest that it acts as a barrier to allowing them to stop sympathy. Also, if the sub-genre is supernatural, then the antagonist will be a ghost or spirit who is demonic in their ways.

the protagnoist

This character is the victim and is usually the one the villain goes after the most but fails to kill them. Also, the protagonist may also be the hero who is trying to save everyone and typically is turned to for rescuing. In addition, the protagonist will usually remain till the end of the film as they will be the one to defeat the evil and bring back normality. In some cases, there may be two protagonists.

Protagonists from House of Wax

Sacrificial Lamb

This particular type of character is mainly seen in Slasher films. They are the first to die and signify to the rest of the characters that this is just the beginning and that there's something to come. This character will typically be female as to fit the stereotypes of a female character, she is presented as weak and incapable to save herself which therefore makes her the first victim

gender

stereotypes

women

They are portrayed as victims and are usually oppressed and weak. Therefore, there's a need for a man to protect them. As a result, the hero will aim to protect her as typically, she may be his love interest. On the other hand, even if a women is in a threatening role, the man is shown as being more powerful. Also, with changing stereotypes, a female can be seen as the hero in particular films.

men

They are portrayed as the popular one amongst everyone and are typically held in high regards due to their popularity. Also, the male will stereotypically be the hero who is presented as strong. Additionally, the villain may also be male which once again shows them as being powerful and strong. 

age

stereotypes

young characters

In films with central characters who are older and younger, the younger characters will typically be seen as the less powerful as they have a lack of knowledge and are seen as more vulnerable as they are unable to stand up for themselves. However, young characters can also be seen as the threat as they can have an upper hand than the older characters as they have more knowledge on technology that can be helpful for them. Therefore, they can be the antagonists who are out to get the older characters.

older characters

The older characters will tend to be the heroic characters as it is up to them to protect everyone especially the younger characters as they are able to be more defensive, such as parents. Although, older characters will more likely be the antagonists who pose as a threat to everyone as well as the younger characters.