The document discusses the characterization of the main character in an opening thriller scene. While she is portrayed as a typical teenage schoolgirl in a uniform, she does not follow the stereotypical characteristics usually associated with that social group. Through acts of voyeurism shown in the opening, the audience begins to see that she has a different, contrasting side compared to what is typically represented of innocent schoolgirls in media.

1. The social group that our main character represents is a typical teenage
schoolgirl. Within the media, this particular social group is typically represented
for achieving well and as ‘innocent’. The character of a schoolgirl who features in
our thriller opening, contrasts to this stereotypical image. Although she is seen in
a typical school uniform, a different side to her is portrayed. By dressing her in a
posh school uniform, this slips her into this social group, yet however, she does
not follow the typical charateristics related to her image. From the voyeurism
shown in our opening, the audience begins to see a different side to this
particular character.
This image is taken from a news paper article of a St
Annes schoolgirl. It fits the representation of a school
Perfectly as the article is talking about achievements
instead of personal reasons. When mentioned in the
media, schoolgirls are often highlighted for their
academic achievements and for praise. This creates a
stereotypical image towards this particular type of
person and influences how people feel towards them.
This image is taken from the film wild child. It is
representative of our characters social group because
she is also a teenage school. In the film wild child, her
character is portrayed as innocent at heart in the sense
her real problems are about boys, friends and school.
These are typical of a schoolgirl as school girls do not
normally get involved with the police or are a suspect
for murder.

2. On the other hand, although this
image fits the social group of a
school and the audience is aware
of it, the character also has
another side to her. She doesn’t
seem to prioritise things like boys
and friends as she spends her
spare time alone. From what the
audience sees already, they are
able to gain an understanding as
to what her character may be like.
When she is seen to be burring something in the woods, the audience do not see
her in her school uniform. This represents how it is not typical of such a
character to be doing this type of thing. However, towards the end of our
opening the audience see her in her school uniform, not only shocking them but
also revealing a whole other side to the character, also making it appear much
more realistic. We have also included this particular characterisation in order to
make it easier for our target audience, of 15 years and older, to relate their own
lives to this situation and to gain a greater understanding.