Well, suspense is key. Take 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. The mystery that unfolds at night in the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. Another characteristic is that it can play with your imagination. In a good after dark story, the writer leaves enough unsaid so that your mind fills in the blanks and creates even scarier scenarios in the dark. It might also have elements of the unknown, like strange noises or unexplained events that occur after sunset.
Good after dark stories tend to have a darker atmosphere. This can be created through the setting, say an old, abandoned house at night. The characters in such stories often face some sort of internal or external threat that is amplified in the darkness. For instance, in 'The Turn of the Screw', the governess's fear of the ghosts she believes she sees is intensified by the fact that it's all happening at night. There is also often a sense of isolation, as if the characters are alone against whatever evil lurks in the after - dark world.
A good after dark story often has an element of mystery. For example, it might involve a strange figure lurking in the shadows that the characters are trying to figure out. It also usually has a sense of unease or fear, like in 'The Shining' where the haunted hotel gives off a really creepy vibe at night.
Typically, an after - dark novel often has a sense of mystery. The cover of darkness can hide secrets, and many such novels use the night setting to create suspense. For example, in a detective after - dark novel, the detective might be searching for clues in the dimly - lit streets at night.
Well, a great dark humor story should be able to make you laugh while also making you a bit uncomfortable. It might use black - and - white situations and then add a strange or abnormal element. For instance, a story where a group of people are waiting for a bus in a really cold winter day. When the bus finally arrives, it's a hearse. The normal expectation of a warm bus is replaced with a vehicle associated with death, creating that dark humor effect. The story also needs to have some sort of punchline or final thought that ties the whole dark and funny concept together.
Often, they tend to have a somewhat mysterious atmosphere. Since it's 'after dark', there's a sense of the unknown, and the night can hide many things. For example, in Murakami's 'After Dark', the city at night is like a different world, with different rules and interactions.
Good dark humor short stories often rely on a certain level of absurdity. Consider a story where the Grim Reaper is complaining about his job because all the souls he has to collect keep asking for selfies. It's absurd because the Grim Reaper is a very serious and often feared figure in mythology, but here he is dealing with modern - day annoyances like selfies. This combination of the serious and the absurd creates that unique dark humor effect.
One characteristic is the use of suspense and mystery. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the author builds suspense as the narrator descends into madness. The story doesn't immediately reveal what's truly going on, keeping the reader on edge. Also, dark short stories usually have a somewhat disturbing or unexpected ending. In 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge', the sudden shift from the protagonist's hopeful escape to his actual death is a prime example of this.
The characters in such a story usually face some sort of internal or external struggle that is related to the darkness. Maybe they are trying to escape from a malevolent force or deal with their own dark secrets. In many cases, there are elements of the unknown and the supernatural, like ghosts or strange magical powers that add to the overall sense of mystery and darkness.
Good Dark Souls novels often have a deep exploration of the game's lore. They expand on the backstories of characters, like the knights, bosses, and the various undead. Also, they usually have a sense of mystery. Just like in the game, the novels keep you guessing about certain elements, such as the true nature of the Abyss or the origin of the bonfires. And of course, they are filled with action. Battles against demons and other foes are described in vivid detail, making you feel like you're in the middle of the Dark Souls world.
Good 'dark zuko fanfiction' often has a deep exploration of Zuko's character. It should show his dark side in a believable way, like his anger and his struggles. For example, it might explore how his past traumas have led to this darker side of him.
Good dark fantasy novels tend to have a sense of mystery. For instance, in 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski, the very structure of the book adds to the mystery. They also often have a blend of the real and the supernatural. 'The Dresden Files' series combines modern - day Chicago with magic and supernatural creatures. Additionally, they can have a non - linear narrative to keep the reader on their toes, as in 'Cloud Atlas' which has elements of dark fantasy in its different storylines that are interwoven in a complex way.
Good dark romance novels often have complex characters. For example, the protagonists may have a troubled past or a hidden side that adds depth to their relationship. Also, an element of mystery is common. The plot may involve secrets that gradually unfold as the relationship develops. Another characteristic is intense emotions. There's often a strong pull between the characters, like a love - hate dynamic.