Well, common missing things in a novel could be insufficient world-building or weak subplots that don't add much to the main story. Also, a lack of emotional depth in characters can be a drawback.
Character growth is another element that's commonly not found in poetry. Novels allow for in-depth exploration of characters' changes over time, but poetry may present a snapshot of a character's state of mind.
It could be a lack of a compelling plot twist. A novel might fall short if it doesn't have that element to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A novel usually has characters, a plot, a setting, and a theme. These are the basic building blocks that make up a story.
Well, a novel usually has a plot that drives the story forward, interesting characters with their own personalities and arcs, a specific setting that gives context, a theme that conveys a message or idea, and a unique style of writing that makes the work stand out.
In a graphic novel, you'll typically find a combination of visual art and written words. The art style can vary greatly, from realistic to cartoonish. There's usually a beginning, middle, and end to the story, and sometimes even subplots to add depth.
Often, what's missing is a strong emotional connection. The novel might fail to evoke genuine feelings from the reader or make them care deeply about the characters and their journey.
The police will often interview neighbors and people in the community. In many missing persons true crime stories, a neighbor might have seen something unusual but not thought it was important at the time. They also use forensic techniques, such as analyzing DNA evidence if they find any relevant items. In some cases, they may create a timeline of the person's activities leading up to the disappearance to look for any patterns or possible motives for abduction or running away.
At the midpoint of a novel, there should be a shift in the story's momentum. Maybe a character has a realization or makes a crucial decision. It's also a good place for introducing a new subplot or intensifying existing conflicts.
A graphic novel manuscript usually has a detailed story outline, character designs, panel descriptions, and dialogue.
The sense of isolation is also a very scary part. When someone goes missing in a remote place, like in a haunted house or a desolate forest, they are cut off from the outside world. In the case of the missing family in the mansion, they were alone in that big, spooky place. And any screams or cries for help would go unheard. Another scary element is the lack of evidence. There are no clear clues as to what occurred, which leaves our minds to imagine the worst possible scenarios.