What Makes a Gothic Novel: Common Tropes and How to Write One

What makes a gothic novel? Unfortunately, there is no one clear answer; however, several familiar tropes exist in gothic fiction. In this article, I will discuss these tropes and how to use them in your writing. I will also provide examples of well-known gothic stories that exhibit these tropes.

Note: If you are only interested in the “how to write gothic fiction” without examples, you can skip to the bottom section: Now write yours.

Haunted house

One of the most common tropes in gothic fiction is the haunted house. This can be a literal house, such as the one found in The Haunting of Hill House, or it can be a symbolic house, such as the protagonist’s mind. In either case, the house is often seen as a character in its own right, and it is full of secrets that the characters must uncover.

The haunted house is a trope that is often used in gothic fiction to create a feeling of unease and suspense. The house itself can be seen as a character, with its own secrets and hidden dangers. As mentioned, one of the best-known examples of this trope is the novel The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. In this novel, the house is haunted by the ghosts of previous residents. Another example of this trope is in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Fall of the House of Usher.” In this story, the house is not literally haunted, but it symbolizes the protagonist’s mental state.

The supernatural

Another common trope in gothic fiction is the supernatural. This can take many forms, including ghosts, vampires, witches, and other creatures. The supernatural often adds to the suspense and horror of the novel, and it can also be used to create sympathy for the characters.

One well-known example of this trope is found in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. In this novel, vampires are used to create a sense of suspense and horror. Another example of this trope is found in Stephen King’s, It: A Novel. In this novel, Pennywise is a supernatural being who terrorizes the children around him.

As mentioned, another common use of the supernatural in gothic fiction is to create sympathy for the characters. This can be done by making the supernatural creatures sympathetic figures, as in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, or by making them victims of persecution, as in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

Ghosts

One common use of the supernatural in gothic fiction is to create suspense and horror. This can be done by having ghosts appear in the story, as in Henry James’s novella The Turn of the Screw. In this story, the protagonist is haunted by two ghosts trying to kill her.

Ghosts are often spirits stuck in the mortal world, and they often have unfinished business that needs to be resolved. For example, in the novel The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold, the protagonist is a teenage girl who has been murdered. She watches over her family from heaven and tries to help them resolve their unfinished business. This theme of ghosts with unfinished business is common in gothic fiction. These ghosts are often spirits stuck in the mortal world, and they often have something that needs to be resolved before moving on. This can add to the suspense and horror of the story, as these ghosts are constantly watching the characters.

One well-known example of the ghost trope is found in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. In this novel, the ghost of Victor Frankenstein’s dead mother appears to him throughout the story. Another example is The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. In this novel, the protagonist is haunted by the ghosts of her past.

Another example of a ghost trope is found in Daphne du Maurier’s novel Rebecca. In this novel, Mrs. de Winter is constantly being terrorized by the ghost of her husband’s first wife, Rebecca.

The use of ghosts can also be used to create sympathy for the characters. One example of this is in Patrick Ness’s novel A Monster Calls. In this novel, Conor is visited by a monster who is a ghost. The ghost helps Conor to deal with his mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis.

Another example of ghosts to create sympathy for the characters is found in Susan Hill’s novel The Woman in Black. In this novel, Arthur is visited by the ghost of his dead wife, and he must help her move on from her death.

Witches

To create suspense and horror, witches often appear in gothic fiction, as in Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible.” In this story, the girls are accused of being witches, and the townspeople persecute them.

Another example of this trope is Roald Dahl’s short story “Lamb to the Slaughter.” In this story, a woman kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb, and she is accused of being a witch.

One example of a novel that uses the witch trope is The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox. In this novel, the protagonist, Lydia, is accused of being a witch and she must clear her name.

Another example of a novel that uses the witch trope is The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe. In this novel, the protagonist, Connie, discovers that her ancestor was a witch and she must stop another witch from taking over her town.

The use of witches can also be used to create sympathy for the characters. One example of this is Kendare Blake’s young adult novel Three Dark Crowns. In this book, each sister has been born with one-third of the powers of a witch. When they are all together, they can perform great magic. However, because they are always competing against each other, they are forced to use their powers in dark ways.

Another example of witches to create sympathy for the characters is The Wicker King by K. Ancrum. In this novel, August is visited by the wicker king, a spirit who lives in the forest near his town. The wicker king asks August to help him find his body to be reborn.

Dark atmosphere

Another common trope in gothic fiction is a dark atmosphere. This is often created by spooky settings, such as dark forests or abandoned mansions. The darkness often reflects the story’s mood, which is usually suspenseful and ominous.

One well-known example of this trope is found in Stephen King’s novel It. In this novel, the dark atmosphere is created by the setting of Derry, Maine. The town is full of dark forests and abandoned buildings, which create a sense of fear and suspense. Another example of this trope is in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Fall of the House of Usher.” In this story, the dark atmosphere is created by the setting of the house itself. The house is decrepit and old, and it creates a feeling of dread and despair.

Dark and stormy night

Another common gothic trope is the dark and stormy night. This setting helps to create a sense of suspense and tension, and it often sets the mood for horror scenes.

One well-known example of the dark and stormy night trope is found in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. Here, the dark and stormy nights set the mood for the horror scenes. Another example of this trope is found in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. In her book, the dark and stormy nights help create a sense of suspense and tension around the monster.

Mysterious stranger

Another common trope in gothic fiction is the mysterious stranger. This is often a person (or creature) who shows up at the story’s beginning with a dark secret or ulterior motive. They often pose a threat to the protagonist and lead them on a journey into the story’s dark heart.

One well-known example of this trope is again, Dracula. In the novel, the mysterious stranger is Count Dracula, who arrives in England to take over the country. Another example of this trope is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, in which the mysterious stranger is Dr. Frankenstein, who creates a monster that eventually goes on a rampage.

The dark and brooding hero and heroine

Another common trope in gothic fiction is the dark and brooding hero. This setting often helps to create a sense of suspense and tension, and it often sets the mood for horror scenes.

One well-known example of the dark and brooding hero trope is in Charlotte Bronte’s novel Wuthering Heights. In this novel, Heathcliff is the dark and brooding hero.

One example of the gothic heroine trope is also found in Wuthering Heights, where Catherine Earnshaw is the gothic heroine. Another example of this trope is in Frankenstein, where Elizabeth Lavenza is the gothic heroine.

Romance

Gothic fiction often contains elements of romance as well. This can add to the story’s emotional intensity and can also be used to create sympathy for the characters.

One example is Wilkie Collins’s novel The Woman in White. In this novel, Marian Halcombe falls in love with a man who is accused of being a murderer. The suspense comes from whether or not he did commit the murder.

The use of romance can also be used for comic effect. One example of this is Oscar Wilde’s short story “The Canterville Ghost.” In this story, the ghost tries to scare away a family that has moved into his house. However, he falls in love with one of the daughters and decides to help them instead.

The use of romance can also be used to create sympathy for the characters. One example of this is also in Wuthering Heights. Here, the love story between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff is used to create sympathy for both characters. Another example of this is Emily Brontë’s poem “Remembrance.” In this poem, the speaker remembers a past lover who has died. The poem creates sympathy for the speaker by showing how much she loved him and what he meant to her.

The use of the romantic trope can add to the emotional intensity. It can also be used to create suspense and tension. Gothic fiction often uses romance to generate sympathy for the characters, and as mentioned, it can also be used for comic effect.

Lastly, gothic fiction often uses romance to explore universal themes such as love and loss. In doing so, gothic fiction allows readers to connect with the characters emotionally. Gothic fiction allows readers to explore the darker side of human nature by exploring these themes.

The grotesque

Another common trope in gothic fiction is the grotesque. This can take many forms, such as deformities, mutilations, and other horrifying images. The grotesque often adds to the suspense and horror of the novel.

An example of the grotesque can be found in Clive Barker’s short story “The Hellbound Heart.” In this story, Frank is a man who has had his heart removed and replaced with a demon’s heart.

Another example of the grotesque is found in Neil Gaiman’s novel American Gods. In this novel, Mr. Wednesday is a god who has taken the form of a man. He has many tattoos on his body, which are the names of all the people he has killed.

Another example is found in Sarah Waters’s novel The Little Stranger. In this novel, Dr. Faraday is called to treat a patient at the Ayres family home. However, he soon discovers something strange going on in the house. The servants are all afraid of Mrs. Ayres, and Dr. Faraday begins to feel like he is being watched.

The use of the grotesque can also be used to create suspense and horror in a story. One example of this is in Thomas Harris’s novel Red Dragon. In this novel, Will Graham is called in to help catch a serial killer known as the Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Fairy mutilates his victims and often leaves them posed in horrifying ways.

The use of the grotesque can also be used for comic effect. One example of this is Tim Burton’s film “Beetlejuice.” In this film, Beetlejuice is a ghost trying to scare away the new owners of his house. However, his attempts are often comical, and he is more likely to gross them out than to scare them.

Curse

Another common trope in gothic fiction is the curse. This is often a dark secret that is passed down through generations of families. The curse usually has disastrous consequences for anyone who tries to break it, and it often leads the characters on a journey into the dark heart of the story.

One well-known example of this trope is Anne Rice’s novel The Witching Hour. In this novel, the curse is a family secret that leads the protagonists on a journey into their family’s dark past. Another example of this trope is Dracula, where the curse is a family secret that leads to the death of many people.

Secret society

Another common trope in gothic fiction is the secret society. This is often a group of people hiding something dark and sinister from the world. This society usually has its secrets and ulterior motives, and they will stop at nothing to keep them hidden.

One well-known example of this trope is in Dan Brown’s novel Angels & Demons. In this novel, the secret society is the Illuminati, a group of people trying to destroy the Catholic Church. Another example of this trope is found in The Da Vinci Code, also by Dan Brown. In this novel, the secret society is the Priory of Sion, a group of people protecting the Holy Grail.

The mad scientist

Another common trope in gothic fiction is the mad scientist. One well-known example of this trope is Frankenstein. In this novel, the mad scientist, Dr. Frankenstein, creates the monster. Another example of this trope is in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In this novel, the mad scientist is also responsible for creating a monster that terrorizes the city.

Mystery and intrigue

Another staple of gothic fiction is mystery and intrigue. Characters are often kept in the dark about certain things, and they must use their intuition and intelligence to figure out what is going on. This sense of mystery can often lead to suspenseful scenes and cliffhangers.

One well-known example of this trope is found again in Dracula (it seems that Stoker has used almost all the gothic tropes!). The characters are kept in the dark about Count Dracula’s true nature. They must use their intelligence and intuition to figure out what he is up to. This sense of mystery creates suspenseful scenes and cliffhangers. Another example of this trope is Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” In this story, the characters are kept in the dark about the killer’s identity. They must use their intelligence and intuition to figure out who did it.

Death

Gothic novels also often deal with death, decay, and madness themes. One example of this trope is in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Fall of the House of Usher.” In this story, death creates a sense of dread and despair.

Another example of the death trope is found in Daphne du Maurier’s novel Rebecca. In her novel, the titular character’s death is used to create a sense of suspense and dread. Another example of this trope is Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery.” In this story, the protagonist’s death creates a sense of horror and unease.

Decay

Another common theme in gothic fiction is decay. One well-known example of the decay trope is found in, you guessed it, Dracula. The decay of Count Dracula’s castle creates a sense of suspense and horror. Another example of this trope is found in Frankenstein. In this novel, the decay of the scientist’s laboratory establishes a sense of anticipation and horror.

Also using the trope of decay is H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Rats in the Walls.” In this story, the narrator lives in a house that his family once owned. However, he soon discovers that rats are living in the walls. The suspense comes from whether or not the rats will attack him.

Decay can also create horror and shock value. One example of this is Daphne du Maurier’s short story “The Birds.” In this story, the birds are attacking the town. The horror comes from the fact that they are attacking people.

Madness

Gothic fiction is also often associated with madness. One well-known example of the madness trope is found in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Tell-Tale Heart.” The protagonist is driven mad by his obsession with murder. Another example of this trope is Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The House of Seven Gables. In this novel, one of the characters goes insane after living in a house with a curse.

Gothic fiction often uses madness as a way to create suspense and tension. One example of this is Henry James’ novella The Turn of the Screw. In this story, the governess is slowly driven mad by the ghosts of the children’s previous governess and her lover. The suspense comes from whether or not she will save the children.

Another example of this trope is in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper.” In this story, the protagonist is driven mad by her husband’s insistence that she stay in a room with yellow wallpaper. The suspense comes from whether or not she will be able to escape from the room.

Madness can also be used to create horror and shock value. An example of this is found again in Shirley Jackson’s novel The Haunting of Hill House. A character goes insane after living in a house with a curse. Another example of this is found in Stephen King’s novel Misery. In this novel, the protagonist is held captive by a woman obsessed with him. The horror comes from the fact that she is mentally unstable.

A last example of the madness trope is found in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Here, the narrator is visiting his friend, Roderick Usher. He soon discovers that Roderick is mentally ill, and he is worried about him. The suspense comes from whether or not Roderick will kill himself.

Persecution and victimization

Gothic novels also often deal with themes of persecution and victimization. This can be done by having the characters persecuted by the government or other authority figures, as in George Orwell’s novel 1984, or by having them persecuted by the townspeople, as in Shirley Jackson’s novel The Haunting of Hill House.

Another common theme in gothic fiction is the idea of the witch hunt. This can be done by having the characters hunted down by a mob of angry townspeople, as in Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible,” or by having them pursued by a group of supernatural creatures, as in Stephen King’s novel Salem’s Lot.

As mentioned, one way to create sympathy for the characters in gothic fiction is to make them victims. This can be done by having them persecuted by authority figures or by making them targets of supernatural creatures. Another way to do this is to have them suffer from physical and psychological damage, as in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. By making the characters into victims, the reader can often sympathize with them and feel empathetic towards their plight.

Now write yours

If you want to use these tropes in your writing, keep several things in mind.

• Foremost, create a sense of mystery, suspense, and unease in your readers. This can be done by:
• Using creepy descriptions, places, situations, and ominous symbolism.
• Ensure that the trope has its secrets and backstory that the characters must uncover.
• Ensure that the trope plays an essential role in the story. It should not be just part of the setting; it should actively participate in the plot and not just show up for one scene and then disappear.
• Don’t reveal too much about any backstory or motives right away.
• If applicable, have the trope represent some danger or threat to the protagonist. It should be something or someone that causes the protagonist worry and angst.

Conclusion

These themes are most of the typical tropes found in gothic fiction. If you want to write a gothic novel, keep these things in mind, and you will be on your way to creating a suspenseful and scary story that will keep your readers up at night.