Final Girl

Definition

The final girl is a term used in horror films to describe the last female character remaining alive who confronts the killer and often survives. This character typically embodies traits of innocence, resilience, and morality, serving as a contrast to other characters who may engage in reckless or immoral behavior. The final girl represents a form of empowerment, showing how she can outsmart the antagonist and restore order.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The final girl often possesses a unique set of characteristics, including intelligence, resourcefulness, and moral integrity, which help her survive when others do not.
2. This character archetype was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s with films like 'Halloween' and 'Friday the 13th', where characters like Laurie Strode became iconic final girls.
3. The final girl's survival is often marked by her confrontation with the killer, which symbolizes her reclaiming agency and power over her circumstances.
4. Many final girls begin as somewhat innocent or naive but undergo significant character development throughout the film, becoming strong figures by the end.
5. The concept of the final girl has been critiqued and analyzed in feminist film theory, as it raises questions about gender roles and representation in horror cinema.

Review Questions

• How does the final girl archetype challenge traditional gender roles in horror films?
  • The final girl archetype challenges traditional gender roles by presenting a female character who ultimately takes control of her destiny and confronts the antagonist. Unlike other female characters who may be portrayed as passive or victimized, the final girl showcases strength and resilience. Her ability to survive and defeat the killer subverts expectations and offers a more empowering narrative for women in horror.
• In what ways does the portrayal of the final girl differ from other common horror tropes?
  • The portrayal of the final girl differs from other horror tropes by emphasizing her moral compass and survival instincts compared to characters who engage in reckless behavior. While many characters in horror films often fall into predictable patterns of victimhood or excess, the final girl stands out by being more cautious, resourceful, and ultimately heroic. This distinctiveness allows her to emerge as a symbol of hope amidst chaos.
• Evaluate the significance of the final girl in shaping audience perceptions of heroism within the horror genre.
  • The significance of the final girl in shaping audience perceptions of heroism within the horror genre lies in her dual role as both a survivor and an empowered figure. She represents not just physical survival but also moral victory over evil, resonating with audiences who seek relatable heroes. As viewers witness her journey from vulnerability to strength, it challenges them to reconsider what constitutes heroism—highlighting qualities like intelligence, courage, and perseverance over brute strength or traditional masculinity.

Related terms

Slasher Film: A subgenre of horror films characterized by a killer stalking and murdering a group of people, often using a bladed weapon.

Scream Queen: An actress known for her roles in horror films, particularly one who portrays characters that scream or are in peril.

Horror Tropes: Recurring themes and devices commonly found in horror films, such as jump scares, the final girl, and the predictable victim archetype.