Final Girl

Definition

The final girl is a trope in horror films that refers to the last surviving female character who confronts the antagonist and often embodies traits of strength, intelligence, and resilience. This character typically survives until the end of the film, making her the one who faces the killer in a climactic showdown. The final girl often contrasts with other female characters, who may embody more traditional gender roles or are portrayed as victims.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The final girl trope was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s with films like 'Halloween' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street,' showcasing a shift in how female characters were portrayed in horror.
2. Final girls often possess qualities that are seen as morally superior or virtuous compared to other characters, reinforcing traditional gender roles while simultaneously subverting them by showcasing strength.
3. The final girl typically undergoes a transformation throughout the film, evolving from innocence to a more empowered state as she confronts her attacker.
4. Often, the final girl is depicted as sexually inexperienced or abstinent, contrasting with other characters who engage in promiscuous behavior and are often punished by death.
5. Prominent examples of final girls include Laurie Strode from 'Halloween' and Nancy Thompson from 'A Nightmare on Elm Street,' both of whom became iconic figures in the horror genre.

Review Questions

• How does the final girl trope challenge traditional gender roles in horror films?
  • The final girl trope challenges traditional gender roles by presenting a female character who is not only a survivor but also actively confronts the male antagonist. Unlike many female characters who fit conventional roles of victimhood or passivity, the final girl demonstrates strength, intelligence, and resourcefulness. This subversion allows for an exploration of female empowerment within a genre historically dominated by male perspectives.
• Discuss the implications of sexual behavior on the fate of characters in slasher films, particularly concerning the final girl.
  • In slasher films, there is often a clear moral dichotomy regarding sexual behavior among characters. Those who engage in sexual activity tend to meet violent ends, while the final girl frequently remains chaste or less sexually liberated. This dynamic serves as both a cautionary tale about promiscuity and an avenue for portraying the final girl's virtue. The contrasting fates highlight societal views on sexuality and morality during the time these films were made.
• Evaluate how the evolution of the final girl reflects broader cultural changes regarding women's roles in society.
  • The evolution of the final girl reflects significant cultural shifts regarding women's autonomy and agency. Initially portrayed as passive victims, final girls have transformed into empowered figures capable of confronting danger and asserting their will. This change mirrors broader societal movements advocating for women's rights and gender equality. As audiences become more aware of gender dynamics, the portrayal of final girls has shifted to include diverse representations that resonate with contemporary discussions about feminism and empowerment.

Related terms

Scream Queen: A term used to describe actresses known for their roles in horror films, often characterized by their ability to evoke fear and vulnerability.

Slasher Film: A subgenre of horror films that typically features a psychopathic killer stalking and murdering a group of people, often including the use of a 'final girl' trope.

Victimization: The process by which characters, often female, are portrayed as victims within a narrative, highlighting themes of vulnerability and powerlessness.