One characteristic is that they often deal with disturbing themes like violence, for example, the extreme and graphic violence in 'American Psycho'. Another is a sense of hopelessness, such as in 'The Road' where the world seems to be a desolate place with no real future. They also may have morally ambiguous characters, like the anti - hero in 'A Clockwork Orange' who engages in heinous acts but still has some aspects that make the reader question their own judgment.
Really dark novels usually feature a lot of psychological turmoil. In 'We Need to Talk About Kevin', the mother's mental state is constantly in flux as she tries to understand her son's actions. Dark novels also tend to have a gloomy atmosphere. 'The Silence of the Lambs' creates a very tense and dark mood through its descriptions of the serial killer's lair and his actions. Moreover, they might explore the darker side of human nature, like the greed and self - destruction in 'Gone Girl' among the characters.
One characteristic is that it often involves taboo topics like death, illness or misfortune in a way that is not respectful. For example, a story that makes a joke about a terminal patient's condition. It's using someone's extreme situation for comedic effect.
Really good novels often have well - developed characters. These characters seem real and their actions and decisions drive the story forward. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is a complex and relatable character.
Characteristics? Firstly, the dark fae are usually depicted as having a different set of values compared to humans. Their sense of right and wrong is often skewed. In many of these novels, the dark fae live in a hierarchical society with strict rules and power dynamics. The stories often revolve around a human getting caught up in the dark fae world, like in 'Shadowfell'. There is also a sense of danger throughout the story. The dark fae can use their magic in ways that are harmful to humans or other beings. The overall atmosphere in dark fae novels is usually tense and filled with a sense of foreboding.
They usually deal with disturbing themes. Such as violence, manipulation, and psychological abuse. In 'We Need to Talk About Kevin', the story revolves around a mother trying to come to terms with her son's violent actions. It makes readers confront the darker aspects of parenting and human nature.
Most of them contain elements of the supernatural or the unknown. In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', the transformation between the two personalities is a supernatural concept. And they tend to make the reader question the fundamental aspects of human existence and society, like in 'Heart of Darkness' which makes one think about colonialism and the human psyche.
One characteristic is the use of the desert setting to create a sense of isolation. In a desert, characters are often far from civilization, which heightens the feeling of being alone and vulnerable. For example, in 'Blood Meridian', the vast and unforgiving desert makes the characters' situation more dire.
Dark fantssy novels often have a gloomy or foreboding atmosphere. For example, the settings might be desolate landscapes, like in 'The Dark Tower' series. The characters are usually complex and not always clearly good or bad. They might be anti - heroes, like Geralt in 'The Witcher' series. There's also often a sense of danger and the unknown, with elements of the supernatural that are not always benevolent.
Dark mm novels often have complex female characters. They might be dealing with trauma, inner demons, or difficult relationships. For example, in 'We Were Liars', the female protagonist has to face the consequences of her family's secrets and her own actions.
One characteristic is the morally ambiguous characters. In dark wuxia novels, characters may not be clearly good or bad. For example, a character might kill for what he believes is a just cause, but his methods are very cruel.
Typically, 'dark templar novels' often feature a lot of mystery. Since the dark templar themselves are a somewhat enigmatic group, the novels usually revolve around uncovering their secrets.