The character's fates can also contribute. If the characters are constantly facing hardships and failures, with no real hope in sight, it can create a depressing mood. For instance, a character who is terminally ill and has no cure in the story. And the writing style, if it's gloomy and uses a lot of dark imagery, can make the light novel depressing as well.
One more factor could be the setting. If the setting is a post - apocalyptic world or a place full of poverty and despair, like a war - torn city where people are struggling just to survive. The reader is immersed in this bleak environment, which can make the light novel depressing.
The sad storylines. It might involve the loss of loved ones, unrequited love, or the characters facing insurmountable difficulties, which can create a gloomy atmosphere.
A story can be depressing when it has a lot of sadness, loss, and hopelessness. Maybe the main character goes through really tough times with no happy ending in sight.
Often, it's the themes of loss. For example, if a game has a character lose a loved one like in 'The Walking Dead' games. The constant threat of death is another factor. In games like 'Resident Evil' where you're always in danger. And the feeling of helplessness, such as in games where you play as a weak character in a powerful and cruel world.
For a short story to be depressing, it often involves elements like a broken relationship, a failed dream, or a sense of helplessness. The tone might be consistently melancholic, and there could be no signs of positive change or resolution.
One factor is the vivid description of violence and death. For example, in 'All Quiet on the Western Front', the detailed accounts of battles and the deaths of young soldiers are extremely depressing. Another is the destruction of hope. In 'Slaughterhouse - Five', the main character's inability to escape the cycle of war - related tragedies makes the novel very sad. Also, the portrayal of the psychological trauma of soldiers, like in 'The Things They Carried', can make a war novel one of the most depressing.
The relatability also plays a huge role. Most people have experienced loss or loneliness at some point in their lives. When we hear a story about someone like Lily who has lost her parents and is bullied, it strikes a chord within us. It reminds us of our own tough times, and that's why it's so impactful. Also, the vivid description of the characters' emotions, like the old man's feeling of being forgotten, makes us empathize deeply.
Depressing love stories often have a depth of emotion that can be very captivating. The characters' struggles, their sacrifices, and the often - tragic endings can make the story more memorable. For example, in 'The Notebook', the sad parts of their love story, like the Alzheimer's - stricken Allie forgetting Noah, add a layer of poignancy that many find appealing. Also, these stories can make us feel a range of emotions more intensely, and that can be an engaging experience.
A depressing funny story is different mainly because it combines two opposite emotions. In other stories, like a pure comedy, the focus is just on making people laugh. For example, a slapstick comedy where someone slips on a banana peel is just funny. But in a depressing funny story, there's usually an element of misfortune or sadness that then has a funny twist. For instance, a person losing their job (the depressing part) but then finding out it was a mistake and getting a better job offer right away (the funny part).
It depends. If you can handle the heavy emotions, it might be worth it. You can gain a deeper understanding of human suffering and how people cope with difficult situations. However, if you're easily affected by sad stories and prefer more upbeat content, then it may not be for you.
A light novel typically has a few defining characteristics. It usually has a simple and easy-to-read writing style, often with illustrations to enhance the story. The plots are usually focused on younger audiences and have elements like fantasy, romance, or adventure.