The popularity of Gothic mystery novels precedes that of spy thrillers and romance novels. Classics, such as novels written by Dauphne du Maurier, Jane Austen, or Emily Bronte, best classify as Gothic fiction. They often feature stories of love and betrayal as well as murder and the supernatural. Sometimes, a pair of unlikely characters forms a friendship or falls in love with each other. All in all, the same elements found in every tale help classify them within the same genre.
At the start of the story, the main character arrives at a castle or a manor wrapped in a dark aura that seems mysterious and scary. At the same time, the weather shows up foul and grim, which heightens the atmosphere. Sometimes, a darkened forest or foggy moor cast a shadow of fear to the setting. Throughout the entire story, the same depressing or fearful feeling remains a common theme.
Conversations between characters seem fraught with emotion. Expressions of intense anger, lust, grief, or terror are common, especially with female characters. Normally, the main character would be female and she'd likely get lost in a secret part of the manor or castle. Sometimes, it's the forest, where she'd be chased by shadowy characters. Many times, the main character starts hearing strange sounds, such as voices, whispers, and footfalls.
More than the gloomy aspect of the story, a good Gothic mystery must also have a streak of the supernatural. Usually, it's the suggestion of ghosts or demon worship. Sometimes, the Devil makes an appearance. At times, the supernatural element is implied rather than explicitly described, such as rumors of a man who was like the Devil or a woman who was thought to be a witch. In most cases, the supernatural serves as the focus of the story.
Later, the main character experiences hallucinations or dreams ominous visions. These warnings may save the life of the protagonist. In some cases, the omen comes in the form of a stranger delivering a message. Amidst the oppression of a dominating male in the story, the female character finds solace in the company of friends. She is most likely being forced to marry a stranger who turns out to be someone she's fated to love. Sometimes, she'd be forced to commit a crime, which serves as catalyst for the events that would bring forth a dramatic conclusion.
All the events happening around the main character cannot be explained easily. They only become clear once the mystery has been solved. This Gothic mystery usually involves an old prophecy or an age-old legend. The main character later discovers that prophecy or legend actually relates to him or her.
At the start of the story, the main character arrives at a castle or a manor wrapped in a dark aura that seems mysterious and scary. At the same time, the weather shows up foul and grim, which heightens the atmosphere. Sometimes, a darkened forest or foggy moor cast a shadow of fear to the setting. Throughout the entire story, the same depressing or fearful feeling remains a common theme.
Conversations between characters seem fraught with emotion. Expressions of intense anger, lust, grief, or terror are common, especially with female characters. Normally, the main character would be female and she'd likely get lost in a secret part of the manor or castle. Sometimes, it's the forest, where she'd be chased by shadowy characters. Many times, the main character starts hearing strange sounds, such as voices, whispers, and footfalls.
More than the gloomy aspect of the story, a good Gothic mystery must also have a streak of the supernatural. Usually, it's the suggestion of ghosts or demon worship. Sometimes, the Devil makes an appearance. At times, the supernatural element is implied rather than explicitly described, such as rumors of a man who was like the Devil or a woman who was thought to be a witch. In most cases, the supernatural serves as the focus of the story.
Later, the main character experiences hallucinations or dreams ominous visions. These warnings may save the life of the protagonist. In some cases, the omen comes in the form of a stranger delivering a message. Amidst the oppression of a dominating male in the story, the female character finds solace in the company of friends. She is most likely being forced to marry a stranger who turns out to be someone she's fated to love. Sometimes, she'd be forced to commit a crime, which serves as catalyst for the events that would bring forth a dramatic conclusion.
All the events happening around the main character cannot be explained easily. They only become clear once the mystery has been solved. This Gothic mystery usually involves an old prophecy or an age-old legend. The main character later discovers that prophecy or legend actually relates to him or her.
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