This document outlines common stereotypes found in horror films, including the hero, villain, victim, non-believer, loved up couple, helper, donor, and false hero. The hero is typically male and strong, while the villain takes many forms but often wears a mask. The victim is usually female and portrayed as stupid. The non-believer doubts the threat until being killed. The loved up couple become separated and oblivious, building tension. The helper and donor provide aid to the hero at critical moments. The false hero initially assists before a reveal as a villain's ally.

1. Horror Character
Stereotypes

2. Hero (Protagonist)
O Nearly always a male character of a strong and a
masculine build.
O This character shows little emotion throughout the
film and stays strong and supportive to the rest of
the characters
O In most recent horror they have started to use
female as the hero characters making it challenge
older traditional conventions.

3. Villain (Antagonist)
O They have many forms like a serial
killer, ghost, monsters(Zombie, werewolves etc.)
O If they are human they always wear a mask so the
audience cannot make a connection to them and
this then plays on the fear of the unknown. The
fear of the unknown also applies to monster and
demons
O These characters are much more tougher then the
other characters as they are often stabbed or hit
with an object and they keep getting up again.
O This character has the most impact on the
audience and strikes fear into them.

4. Victim
O The role is mostly played by a woman.
O The character is portrayed to be stupid and
annoying. The victim is not usually the first to die
but will be killed.
O This character is used in horrors to build suspense
as the character is jumpy and easily scared. Which
makes the audience

5. Non-Believer
O The role can be played by a man or a woman
O They are usually the second person to be killed
O Typically quotes “There are no such things as
demons” and “No one in their right mind would
come out here”
O After saying these sorts of lines they are killed or
someone is killed which starts the killing spree

6. Loved up Couple
O They are male and female characters, that have separated
from the group when they are killed or one of the others is
killed.
O At this point, the audience are often shouting at the
characters, and are frustrated at how oblivious they are.
O They have an impact on the audience, as they get
frustrated at them, putting the audience on the edge of their
seat, building up tension further.
O They have an impact on the audience, as they get
frustrated at them, putting the audience on the edge of their
seat, building up tension further.

7. The Helper
O This character as the title suggests
“Helps” the hero with tasks.
O Is similar to the donor
O Appears a critical moments throughout
the film.

8. The Donor
O This character often gives the hero
something special to help with their quest
of task.

9. The False Hero
O This character pretends to help the hero
and the group but it turns out later that
they are helping the villain (Antagonist)
O This character can sometimes be
mistaken to be the hero