Characters in Supernatural Thrillers.

Characters in supernatural thrillers tend to be seemingly normal people who are somehow connected to or find themselves a part of a supernatural element/event which will change them forever. These characters are often seen as vulnerable and very 'human', which can make the supernatural occurrences around them seem even more unworldly. 

It isn't uncommon for these characters to have a tragic or traumatic part of their past that they are struggling to come to terms with or alternatively, will lead them towards or be the reason for supernatural circumstances. They can also be born with supernatural abilities which may lead to unusual situations.

Examples of 'normal' individuals coming across or are a part of supernatural circumstances;

Miranda Grey in 'Gothika' is a married psychiatrist who, after a car accident, becomes possessed by the spirit of a young girl, helps her unravel the mystery of why she now finds herself in a mental hospital and being accused of murdering her husband. 

Malcom Crow in 'Sixth Sense' believes he is living an ordinary life as a married, child psychologist until he realises at the end of the film that he is a ghost,  after getting shot by a former student that killed him. which is the reason he has been able to communicate and help a young boy named Cole who claims he can see 'dead people" resolve his fear.

Examples of individuals with supernatural abilities that result in unusual circumstances;

'Carrie' is a young girl who has special abilities that, due to bullying and cruel treatment from her mother, lead to dark outcomes.

Annie In 'The Gift' possesses extrasensory perception which allows her to help solve a murder case.

Since supernatural thrillers transfer the feeling of a disturbance of the norm to the audience, the characters will often display everyday people in looks and often personality. This is so the the sense of realism being disrupted is even more impactful to the audience, and so viewers can build a relationship on connect with characters and there stories on scene in order to create the experience of viewing them more powerful.