Who are the typical protagonists in a classic horror story?

Sometimes, it could be a lone outsider. This type of protagonist might be new to a town or community where the horror is centered. They don't know the local secrets or legends, and they stumble upon the horror by accident. For instance, in some small - town horror stories, a new person in town starts to notice strange things that others seem to ignore or be afraid to talk about.

Often, it's an ordinary person. Maybe a young student who stumbles upon something strange. For example, a student exploring an old school building that has a dark history.

The prom queen or king is a typical character. They are often the center of the horror, like being the target of a stalker or something supernatural. There's also the jealous rival who might be involved in some spooky plot to ruin the prom for the main character. And, of course, the chaperones who might be in on the horror or just be clueless as the terrifying events unfold.

Often, the protagonists are young students. They can be the new kids at school, who are just starting to discover their magical abilities. For example, in the Harry Potter series, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are new students who gradually become heroes.

Often, it's the curious ones. People who venture into unknown areas without fully understanding the risks. Like explorers in a jungle where a giant snake monster lives.

Often, it's an ordinary person. Maybe a scientist who experiments on themselves and accidentally turns into a monster. Or it could be a young, curious individual who stumbles upon something that causes the transformation.

The protagonists in an indie love story are usually those with a lot of emotional depth. They might be introverted, carrying a lot of past traumas or dreams. For example, a young woman who has just moved to a new city to pursue her photography dreams and falls in love with a local coffee shop owner who is also a poet. They are people who are looking for something more meaningful in life and love, not just the surface - level stuff.

Often, the monster itself is the protagonist. It goes through the process of reincarnation and all the adventures and challenges that come with it.

Typically, there's the hitchhiker, who is in need of a ride and might be a bit reckless for accepting a lift from a stranger. Then there's the driver, who could be a serial killer, a demon in disguise, or just a very strange and unpredictable person. There might also be other minor characters like people the hitchhiker meets before or after the fateful ride, but the focus is mostly on these two main characters.

There are often local Appalachian folk. They can be the ones who know the secrets of the land but are also sometimes the source of the horror. Then there are the outsiders, like tourists or new settlers. They usually stumble upon the horror without realizing what they're getting into.