Characteristics of famous horror novels include the ability to create a vivid and terrifying atmosphere. In 'It', the sewers and the town of Derry are described in such a way that it sends shivers down your spine. There's also often a moral or psychological aspect. 'The Haunting of Hill House' makes you question the sanity of the characters. And many horror novels use shock value. 'American Psycho' has some very graphic and disturbing scenes that shock the reader and add to the overall horror experience.
Famous horror novels often have strong, relatable characters. In 'Pet Sematary', the family at the center of the story makes the horror more real because we can understand their love for their child. They also tend to play with our fears. 'Rosemary's Baby' plays on the fear of the unknown and the fear of something being wrong with a pregnancy. The pacing is also important. In 'The Exorcist', the slow build - up to the full - blown demonic possession keeps the reader hooked and terrified.
Famous horror novels often have a sense of the unknown. They introduce elements that are strange and difficult to understand, like the otherworldly creatures in 'The Call of Cthulhu'. Another characteristic is a build - up of suspense. In 'Dracula', for example, the slow discovery of the vampire's true nature creates a lot of suspense. Also, they usually have a dark and often claustrophobic atmosphere, like the isolated setting of 'The Shining' which adds to the feeling of dread.
Many famous horror alien novels use vivid and grotesque descriptions. They describe the alien creatures in detail, their strange appearance, their unnatural movements. This helps to bring out the horror. For instance, in some novels, the aliens might have multiple limbs, or be made of some unidentifiable substance. This physical otherness adds to the horror factor.
One characteristic is the use of gloomy settings. For example, in 'Dracula', the Transylvanian castle is dark and foreboding. Another is the presence of supernatural elements, like vampires in 'Dracula' or the monster in 'Frankenstein'. Also, there's often a sense of mystery and the unknown, which keeps the readers on edge.
Often, they have a strong sense of place. For example, the descriptions of old houses or isolated locations add to the horror. In 'Manju', the old mansion where the story is set creates a spooky atmosphere.
Famous horror fiction usually plays on our fears. It might be the fear of death, as in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' where Dorian's pact with the devil - like portrait leads to his downfall and a kind of living death. Another characteristic is the use of vivid and often grotesque imagery. Take 'Salem's Lot' by Stephen King, with its vampires and the desolate town setting.
The works of recent famous horror authors often have a strong sense of atmosphere. For example, Stephen King is great at creating a feeling of unease from the very start. They also tend to play with the unknown. Like in Paul Tremblay's works, the source of horror is sometimes left ambiguous. And many of them explore psychological fears, as Gillian Flynn does in 'Gone Girl' which delves into the dark side of relationships.
One characteristic is their ability to play on common fears. In 'The Lottery', it plays on the fear of blindly following traditions without question. The pacing is usually fast - paced to keep the reader engaged in the short span. They also use elements of the supernatural or the macabre effectively. Take 'The Monkey's Paw' for instance, the cursed object is a classic horror trope. And the best ones leave a lasting impression on the reader long after reading, like 'The Tell - Tale Heart' with its haunting narrator.
They might have a certain charm. Take a character like a vampire thief in some horror fictions. They use their charm to get close to their victims before stealing their blood or valuable possessions. They can blend in with society while having this dark secret of being a thief within the horror context.
Many Filipino horror stories often involve elements of local folklore and superstition. For example, creatures like the Tikbalang are unique to Filipino culture. Another characteristic is that they usually have a moral lesson. Stories about the Aswang warn people about the importance of protecting the family, especially pregnant women. Also, the settings are often in rural areas, like the haunted haciendas or the thick forests where these supernatural entities are believed to lurk.
Many are based on Japanese folklore and cultural beliefs. This gives them a unique and often very eerie feel. For instance, the idea of vengeful spirits in 'Ju - on: The Grudge' ties into traditional beliefs about the afterlife and the power of grudges. Also, they usually create a strong atmosphere of dread and unease, using settings like old houses or abandoned places to enhance the horror effect.