ELEMENTS OF GOTHIC FICTION

What is Gothic Fiction?

Gothic Fiction is sometimes referred to as Gothic Horror. It is a genre of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance. It is believed to have been invented by the English author Horace Walpole, with his book The Castle of Otranto. Gothic literature is intimately associated with the Gothic Revival architecture of the same era.

What are the elements of Gothic Fiction?

SETTING - Normally, the setting takes place in an old abandoned castle. But any old rundown building with hidden passages, trap doors, secret rooms or dungeons will do as well. Churches and Cemeteries make great settings as well.

ATMOSPHERIC CONDITION- What's the weather like outside? You will find that the weather is almost always dull in Gothic Fiction. Its either cloudy or rainy. A sunny day can work as well, but its not quite as scary. A grey sky brings the feeling of horror and dread.

FOREBODING- Foreboding is a glimpse or a feeling that bad things are going to happen. Most of the time foreboding implies that something evil is coming. This can cause nightmares, which fits just about perfect in any Gothic Fiction.

SUPERNATURAL- You can add magical creatures to the mix. If you're going to write something gory, then add some ghouls or wendigos to your story. They feed on human flesh, so it goes without saying how bloody things get with them in the mix. If the setting of your story is based on a haunted house/castle, then by all means add some ghosts. It all depends on where you want to take your story.

CHARACTERS- You are not writing a Gothic Fiction, if there's not at least one Goth character in your story. There's just got to be that one person that looks like gloom and doom. That person that makes you want to run in the other direction just by glancing at them. It can be your protagonist, villain or just a minor character. Some has just got to scare the living pants off someone.