However, some strong contenders include:
* Vampires: Count Dracula, in particular, has been portrayed countless times in films. The allure of the vampire, with its themes of immortality, seduction, and darkness, has made it a recurring motif in horror.
* Frankenstein's Monster: The creature created by Victor Frankenstein is another iconic character with a long history in horror cinema. It explores themes of creation, morality, and the consequences of playing God.
* Zombies: The walking dead have become a staple of modern horror, with countless films featuring them. Their depiction often reflects societal anxieties about disease, death, and the breakdown of civilization.
* Werewolves: Lycanthropy, the transformation into a werewolf, has been a popular subject in horror films. It plays on primal fears of animalistic instincts and the loss of control.
Ultimately, the "most frequently portrayed" character depends on how broadly you define "character." If we consider variations and reinterpretations, then monsters in general could be considered the most frequently portrayed.
It's worth noting that other figures like witches, ghosts, and demons also have a strong presence in horror cinema.
The frequency of portrayal can also be influenced by the specific subgenres within horror and the evolution of the genre over time.