Common Elements of Gothic Novels
Gothic fiction is a genre that combines both horror and romance, two of my most favorite things. I’m currently trying to write a novel with gothic energy, but I realized, I didn’t actually know what a gothic novel entailed outside of social commentary and dark aesthetic, and what separated it from plain horror. After doing some research, here are the common elements you’ll find in a gothic novel.
The main character behind as a nice, decent person, but must ultimately face the monster within them. Gothic characters tend to be representative of own desires to go buck wild feral and release a “darkness” within. A prime example of this is Henry Jekyll from Jekyll and Hyde.
Gothic literature is about transformation, an element that is not necessary when writing straight horror.
In Gothic literature, the past haunts the present. Whether that’s a dark act or memory for the protagonist, or an actual literal ghost, there is always some form of a past the MC would rather forget.
Romance in goth lit is tragic or bittersweet. Also, general romanticism levels are through the roof. Nearing melodrama.
The drama of despair drives goth lit; violence and blood drives horror.
Heightened, almost melodramatic emotions.
A gloomy, decaying, or abandoned setting with an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. An old decaying mansion or estate is a popular location in goth lit.
Often features a prophecy, legend, or omen.
Often features supernatural or otherwise unexplainable events.
Turns out I have less gothic elements in my story than I thought, but now I know how I can fix it! Hopes this helps somebody else too!!
