Originally published October 2013
Written by: Zena
Ever wonder why Black characters in horror movies are never really diverse?
At a very early age, I came to terms with the stereotypical Black characters in horror films. That definitely includes an understanding of Black stereotypical characters. What’s the point of these characters? Is this how the world sees Black people? Or are we just easy to make fun of? In my opinion, there are 8 types of Black characters in horror films, and I plan to expose them here!
THE STARÂ
This unfortunately is like seeing an orange unicorn who can talk and make you breakfast. My point is: it’s RARE! Most likely, this character won’t die. But if for some strange, mystical reason he or she does die, you can count on it being unforgettable! Somehow, this shining character will save their friends lives, the planet, and even the universe before it’s lights out for him or her!
THE BEST FRIEND/SIDEKICKÂ
THE RANDOM BLACK GUYÂ
This random guy usually has a bunch of Caucasian friends and perhaps a Black girlfriend. But most likely, the girlfriend is Caucasian, Asian or Hispanic. He’s random because he doesn’t fit in, not because he’s Black but because he has nothing in common with anyone in the group. Most of the time, he even dresses and speaks differently! For some reason, he goes along with, “It’s midnight and someone was murdered, let’s go to the cemetery and have a seance!” He’s usually tough and wants to be in charge when horrible things start to happen.
THE SCAREDY CATÂ
The name states just what this character is! Somehow, he usually makes it to the end or almost to the end. This character is usually funny, though I’m not too sure if he is supposed to be comical. I often laugh at inappropriate situations, so maybe it’s not comical to others! Back in the 80s and 90s, the scaredy cat was funny, but the scaredy cat these days will show fear with a bad attitude and offensive words.
THE MYSTERIOUS OLD PERSON WHOSE KNOWS EVERYTHINGÂ
This person is mysterious and knows EVERYTHING. How? Why? Sometimes we never find out! They try to give information about that dead girl or why the creature feeds on human flesh. These types are usually very insightful and nice but not very smart. Because of that, they are swiftly killed off.
THE PERSON WITH COMMON SENSEÂ
Often, this type tries to reason with her Caucasian friend(s), giving warning when necessary. This type can come in all ages and genders. There is the young, hipper one or the old timer that’s been around long enough to know better! He or she usually don’t have a long lasting, major role.
THE THUGÂ
This type is usually played by rappers, and the character he plays isn’t much different than who he is in real life. If he isn’t played by a rapper, he is still loud and authoritative. Either he’s overweight or extremely buff. But don’t let his authoritativeness fool you. He will most like die or just be missing in action.
THE SEX KITTENÂ
It’s extremely hard to resist this sex kitten! It’s like she taunts other characters with her creamy voice or seductive body. And if for some reason a character is able to touch her, this sex kitten either becomes or reveals that she already is a demon, ghost, zombie, vampire or who knows. Maybe the director even settles for her to have Chlamydia. Regardless, beware. Did I miss any?
Which type would be on your list?
Zena is the founder and creator of Real Queen of Horror! Â She is a blogger, film reviewer, filmmaker, lover of fashion and ALL things creep.
I like #5, The Mysterious Old Person Who Knows Everything. I feel like that character could also possibly be Native American in some cases, or just straight up strange (like Tangina the medium in Poltergeist). I think that character, in whatever form, is usually the most likable character and sometimes the only one I don’t want to see murdered.
Hehe I could have not said it better myself!
can’t agree more.
This sums it up quite well for your mainstream (and most indie) horror movies.
I can’t wait to see what you bring to the table, Zena!
This is hilarious, especially the scaredy cat. And you’re totally right about the Magical negro that knows all.
haha, great article. The black scaredy cat is an old stock character, whom I’ve seen in movies dating back to the 1930s, and not just in horror films. Bug eyes are mandatory for this stereotype!
Love this list! Although I have to say, this just sounds straight-up awesome: ‘This unfortunately is like seeing an orange unicorn who can talk and make you breakfast.’
I might also add Chief Police Inspector, or President of the United States, depending on the genre, only that’s maybe more typical of thriller/sci-fi than horror.