Final girl

Definition

The final girl is a character archetype commonly found in horror films, representing the last surviving female protagonist who confronts the antagonist. This character often embodies traits such as intelligence, resourcefulness, and moral superiority, setting her apart from other characters who typically fall victim to the killer. The final girl trope reflects societal views on gender, sexuality, and survival, often positioning her as both a victim and a survivor in the narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the final girl was popularized by film scholar Carol J. Clover in her book 'Men, Women, and Chain Saws'.
2. Final girls often exhibit characteristics that make them morally superior to their peers, such as abstaining from sex or substance use.
3. In many slasher films, the final girl undergoes a transformation from innocence to empowerment as she confronts the killer.
4. The final girl trope is not limited to just female characters; it can also be subverted by including male final characters or gender-fluid identities.
5. Famous examples of final girls include Laurie Strode from 'Halloween' and Sidney Prescott from 'Scream', who each face off against iconic villains.

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 survives where others do not, often showcasing strength and resourcefulness. Unlike typical portrayals of women as passive victims, the final girl actively confronts danger and takes control of her situation. This shift allows audiences to see women as capable protagonists rather than just objects of fear or desire.
• Discuss how the final girl's moral superiority is portrayed in relation to other characters in horror films.
  • The final girl's moral superiority is often emphasized through her choices and behaviors compared to other characters. While her peers may engage in reckless or immoral activities—such as drug use or promiscuity—the final girl typically embodies traits like responsibility and self-control. This contrast not only sets her apart but also reinforces the idea that her survival is deserved, serving as a commentary on societal norms regarding virtue and punishment.
• Evaluate the impact of the final girl trope on modern horror cinema and its evolution over time.
  • The final girl trope has significantly impacted modern horror cinema by evolving from a simplistic survival narrative to a more complex exploration of gender and identity. Initially characterized by innocence and vulnerability, contemporary representations of the final girl often embrace empowerment and agency. This evolution reflects broader cultural shifts and invites filmmakers to challenge or subvert expectations, resulting in more diverse narratives that resonate with audiences while retaining elements of horror tradition.

Related terms

Slasher Film: A subgenre of horror films characterized by a killer stalking and murdering a group of people, typically with graphic violence.

Scream Queen: An actress known for her roles in horror films, particularly those where she portrays a character who screams or faces terror.

Horror Tropes: Common themes, motifs, or character types that recur in horror films, helping to shape audience expectations and genre conventions.