Well, in 'the true horror story', you'll often find curious individuals as protagonists. People who are a bit too eager to explore the unknown, like an amateur archaeologist who digs up something he shouldn't have in an ancient burial ground. Or it could be a journalist investigating a strange occurrence in a small town, getting in way over their head as they uncover the true horror lurking beneath the surface.
Typical protagonists in 'the true horror story' can be loners. They are more vulnerable and easier to isolate in the horror scenario. For instance, a single writer who rents an old cottage to work on his book and discovers that the place has a dark past. Another type could be a family. A family moving into a new neighborhood only to find that their new home is haunted, and they have to fight to survive and protect each other from the unknown horrors.
The typical protagonists can be people who are a bit naive. For example, a journalist who is investigating a strange story in an old asylum. They might be skeptical at first but then start to experience things that can't be explained rationally. Another type could be a family who moves into a new house with a dark past.
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.
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.
It could be a person who has forgotten their love for a family member. For example, a child who grew up estranged from a parent and as they grow older, they start to rediscover the love that was once there but forgotten due to past hurts or misunderstandings.
Another common protagonist is the outcast. This character doesn't fit in with the mainstream in the fanfiction world. They might be a different species or have a unique power that others don't understand. Their dream is not only to achieve something great but also to find a place where they truly belong while reaching for that dream.
Common protagonists are corporate lawyers, financial investigators, and sometimes journalists.
Often, it's young adventurers. They could be a curious teenager who stumbles upon a magical portal and is thrust into a freaky fantasy world. Or a group of children who find a mysterious amulet that gives them special powers to fight against the dark forces in the fantasy realm.
Often, it's a young woman who has just gone through a bad breakup. She is left feeling lost and heartbroken.
In many iniut fantasy novels, the elders of the tribe can be protagonists too. They are the keepers of the Inuit traditions and wisdom. When a great danger threatens the tribe, their experience and deep understanding of the Inuit lore become crucial in finding a solution. They might lead the younger members of the tribe in a battle against an otherworldly foe or guide them in a spiritual quest.
Well, in American True Horror Story, a frequent theme is isolation. Characters are often cut off from the outside world in spooky places, which amps up the fear factor. There's also the theme of the past coming back to haunt the present. Old secrets, family curses, and historical events resurface in a menacing way. And of course, there are the typical horror elements like gore and jump scares.