Fictional serial killers also tend to be solitary figures. They operate alone, away from the prying eyes of society. This solitude allows them to carry out their heinous acts without being easily detected. Additionally, a lot of them have some sort of signature or pattern to their killings. This could be a specific type of victim they target, or a unique way they leave their mark at the crime scene. For instance, Jack the Ripper in fiction (based on the real - life case) has a distinct pattern of killing prostitutes in a particularly brutal way. It becomes part of their identity in the fictional world and makes them more memorable and menacing.
Manipulation is a common theme. Female serial killers in fiction often use their charm and intelligence to manipulate others into vulnerable positions before they strike. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the female character manipulates the situation and the people around her masterfully.
In the 'Saw' series, Jigsaw is a unique serial killer. He doesn't kill his victims directly in most cases. Instead, he creates elaborate and sadistic traps that force his victims to face their own 'sins' and make difficult choices. His actions are often justified in his own twisted mind as a form of moral correction, which adds a different dimension to the typical serial killer trope in fiction.
I think 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris is also a top pick. It's the first book in the series that introduced Hannibal Lecter. It delves into the mind of another serial killer, Francis Dolarhyde, known as 'The Tooth Fairy'. It shows how his twisted mind works and how the FBI tries to catch him with the help of Lecter. And then there's 'Misery' by Stephen King. Although not a traditional serial killer story, Annie Wilkes, the deranged fan in the book, has some of the traits of a serial - like obsessive and violent behavior towards the writer she holds captive.
The serial killers in 2015 fiction tend to be highly intelligent. Take 'The Kind Worth Killing'. The character in this book is intelligent enough to manipulate those around him to achieve his murderous goals. They may also have a hidden motivation that is slowly revealed throughout the story. Sometimes it could be revenge for a past wrong, or a warped sense of justice. And they are often depicted as being able to blend into society, making it difficult for others to suspect them.
In some of these books, the serial killers are often highly intelligent. For example, in 'The Girl in the Ice', the killer is very cunning and leaves few clues. They are also usually very methodical in their killings. They have a pattern or a ritual that they follow, which makes them both terrifying and also a challenge for the detectives to figure out.
They are often highly imaginative. For instance, like Luna Lovegood in 'Harry Potter' who has a very unique and creative view of the wizarding world. They also tend to be empathetic, such as many characters who feel deeply for the plights of others around them.
One common trait is his strong personality. In 'Jane Eyre', Mr. Rochester is assertive and self - assured. Another is his hidden past, which often adds an element of mystery. Also, he usually has a complex relationship with the female lead, like in 'Jane Eyre' where his love for Jane is full of twists and turns.
One common trait is the presence of a detective, either professional or amateur. This character is usually intelligent and observant, like Sherlock Holmes. Another trait is a mysterious crime or problem to be solved. It often involves elements of suspense and intrigue, keeping the readers guessing until the end. Also, there are usually clues scattered throughout the story that the detective must piece together to solve the case.
In fictional stories, werewolves usually possess a number of common traits. One of the most prominent is their physical transformation, which often involves a painful process. Their appearance in the transformed state is usually large and menacing, with a fur - covered body. They are known for their aggression, especially when threatened or during a hunt. Another common trait is their connection to the moon, specifically the full moon. This lunar connection is so strong that in some stories it completely controls their transformation cycle. Additionally, they are often depicted as having a pack mentality, much like real wolves, where there is a hierarchy within the group.
In the TV show 'Hannibal', there are female characters with serial - killer - like tendencies. Alana Bloom, for example, has moments where she straddles the line between good and evil. Her character development shows the gray areas that can exist in the minds of fictional female characters with violent tendencies. It also shows how their actions can be influenced by the complex relationships they have with other characters, like her relationship with Hannibal Lecter.