Stereotype Of Horror (Tilly Trinder)

When discussing the genre Horror, we must consider the purpose/intention of the plot. The Director has to ensure that:
• It will captivate and entertain us
• The audience will be fearful and in a state of panic
• It also leaves a feeling of dread
• It will leave the audience in thoughts of their worst fears
• It must end in a ‘terrifying, shocking finale’


In most Horror films there are the ‘stereo-typical’ characters which usually has the connotations of good versus evil, showing the conflict between the two. The ‘good’ character who the main focus is on, usually results in being the survivor. The ‘bad’ character has a consistent way of killing, which is commonly known as the killers trademark, this usually involves a weapon or the deaths of characters that have a similarity. In most cases, the good guy is usually shown to have defeated the bad guy.

Considering the wide diversity in an audience, there are many fears that can be dealt with within a Horror film, such as:
· Vulnerability
· The ‘unknown’
· Death
· Alienation
· Nightmares
· Sexuality
· Loss of identity