Final girl

Definition

The final girl is a horror film trope that refers to the last surviving female character who confronts the killer and often emerges victorious. This character typically embodies traits such as innocence, resilience, and intelligence, making her a contrast to her more reckless peers. The final girl often undergoes a transformation throughout the narrative, becoming a symbol of survival and empowerment by confronting evil head-on.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The final girl trope can be traced back to early slasher films like 'Halloween' and 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre,' where female protagonists often survive to the end.
2. Final girls are usually depicted as morally virtuous, contrasting with other characters who exhibit promiscuity or recklessness, reinforcing certain gender norms.
3. The final girl often exhibits traits such as intelligence and resourcefulness, allowing her to outsmart the antagonist and survive the narrative.
4. In many stories, the final girl's confrontation with the killer serves as a cathartic climax, symbolizing her reclaiming power over her own fate.
5. Recent deconstructions of the final girl trope challenge traditional gender roles by presenting female characters who defy expectations or who are flawed yet relatable.

Review Questions

• How does the final girl trope function within the narrative structure of slasher films?
  • The final girl trope serves as a crucial element in the narrative structure of slasher films by providing a focal point for audience investment. She typically survives while others do not, which creates tension and anticipation for her confrontation with the killer. This character’s journey from vulnerability to empowerment often parallels the horror genre’s exploration of morality, survival instincts, and gender dynamics.
• In what ways has the portrayal of final girls evolved in contemporary horror television compared to traditional slasher films?
  • The portrayal of final girls has evolved significantly in contemporary horror television. Unlike traditional slasher films where the final girl often fits a specific archetype of innocence and purity, modern narratives frequently present complex characters with flaws and depth. These characters may challenge conventional gender roles and exhibit a wider range of emotions and motivations, reflecting broader societal changes regarding female empowerment and representation in media.
• Evaluate the implications of the final girl trope on audience perceptions of gender roles within horror media and its societal impact.
  • The final girl trope significantly impacts audience perceptions of gender roles in horror media by reinforcing notions of femininity linked to morality and survival. While it can empower women through resilience, it simultaneously upholds stereotypes about sexual behavior and victimization. Analyzing how this trope has shaped cultural narratives around women can reveal insights into society's evolving views on gender dynamics, personal agency, and the complexities faced by female characters in horror storytelling.

Related terms

Slasher Films: A sub-genre of horror films characterized by a killer stalking and murdering a group of people, typically in violent and graphic ways.

Scream Queen: An actress known for her roles in horror films, often portraying characters who scream in fear, usually in the presence of a killer.

Gender Roles: Socially constructed roles that define behaviors and expectations for individuals based on their gender, which can influence character development in media.