Do you like horror stories? If so, names like H. P Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, and Wilkie Collins are certainly familiar to you. All three are well-known writers who popularized the gothic fiction genre, a contemporary genre in fiction that aims to create horror in the readers. If you've only been a connoisseur, why not try making your own? Don't worry, writing gothic fiction is not difficult if you are able to recognize its characteristics and characters. Keep reading this article for great tips for writing your own gothic fiction!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Developing Ideas
Step 1. Select the time period in which your story is set
Does your story take place in the past? Or is it in the future? If you're a fan of American gothic fiction, you'll know that most writers of American gothic fiction choose the medieval (or even earlier) period as the backdrop for their stories.
- Usually, horror stories that are set in the past are able to bring out a more terrifying nuance for the readers; especially since the supernatural elements and odd characters would feel more real if positioned in that time period.
- You can also create a story that is set in the present, but try to include elements that will draw the reader back in time. In his book entitled Dracula, Bram Stoker also applies this method; he manages to combine ancient settings (castles and vampires) with modern technology (typewriters and trains) in a single story.
Step 2. Choose your story setting
Setting is one of the most important elements in a work of fiction; without the right setting, the atmosphere of horror that surrounds the lives of each character will not emerge. Dilapidated buildings, haunted houses, and majestic old castles are the perfect backdrops to support your work of gothic fiction. Choose a setting that once stood firm – and was inhabited – but then left empty and decayed.
The Hotel Overlook that appears in Stephen King's novel The Shining is a perfect example of a setting. In its time, the hotel was once so successful and almost never empty of visitors; but in winter, the old, luxurious hotel is closed and only occupied by Jack (the person appointed to look after the hotel during the winter) and his family
Step 3. Create the characters in your story
Apart from setting, characters are another equally important element, so make sure you take the time to develop the characters in your story. Gothic fiction tends to have certain types of characters that can serve as a basic guide for you.
- Hero or antihero. There must be at least one character in your story that readers will love (even if that character has a hidden dark side). Mary Shelley's story Victor Frankenstein is a great example of a hero who can create monsters but is actually a protagonist.
- Antagonist. Antagonistic characters in gothic fiction are often portrayed as "the seducer" who will pull the hero into the abyss. A good antagonist character must be able to display an evil impression but still be interesting to read. Bram Stoker's Dracula is a perfect example of a character that is evil but has its own charm. Narrated by Bram Stoker, Dracula did do many things that were not commendable (such as killing people) – which was actually the epitome of corruption that threatened British society at that time. Since the theme was in keeping with the political conditions at the time the novel was published, Dracula quickly became a very popular gothic novel among horror readers.
- Woman in white. The character of a bride in a white dress whose life ends tragically is also often presented in various gothic fiction novels. The character Elizabeth from Frankenstein's story is a perfect example of a female character in a ghastly white dress.
- Woman in black (Woman in black). The woman in black – usually a portrait of a widow – is another type of character that often appears in gothic fiction. The character Miss Jessel from the novel Turn of the Screw by Henry James is one such example.
Step 4. Develop the plot of your story
After setting up the setting and characters, your next task is to determine what events are going on in the character's life. Like the setting, the plot must be able to show the negative changes that occur in the life, relationships, and/or sanity of the hero characters in your story. Gothic fiction usually ends when the hero manages to restore his life with the help of those closest to him.
For example, the character Mina in the novel Dracula managed to save her life with the help of her friends
Part 2 of 3: Creating Uniqueness
Step 1. Add supernatural elements
Almost all gothic fiction is spiced with supernatural elements that are presented through the characters and the setting. Try creating a character in the form of a ghost, vampire, werewolf, or some other terrifying creature. If you want to focus more on the setting, try creating a chilling atmosphere through the concept of the main setting and plot. The addition of a castle or haunted house can increase the horror of your story in an instant.
Step 2. Include child characters in your story
In most gothic fiction, children are often depicted as threatened and helpless. Creating the character of a child whose life is being threatened will undoubtedly add to the tension of your story.
For example, young William Frankenstein was killed by a monster created by Frankenstein while walking around unsupervised
Step 3. Add the concept of divination or curse
The prophecies or curses that surround the setting (a cursed haunted house) or characters (a small child who is predicted to be the heir to a vampire) will add intrigue and tension to your story. Usually, prophecies or curses in gothic fiction are always packaged implicitly, confusing readers, and making readers curious to explore further. Sometimes, gothic fiction tells the story of a curse or a dark secret that has haunted a family for generations. A good curse concept should be able to explain the actions and decisions of the hero in your story.
For example, the novel Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole tells the story of a family haunted by an ancient prophecy. According to the prophecy, the castle will be transferred from the descendants of Manfred. The prophecy was proven true when Manfred's son died
Step 4. Add the character of a woman who is in danger
Gothic fiction often tells of a young woman whose life is in danger. You can position the woman as the main character or lover of the main character in your story. Use these characters to stir up the reader's emotions; let the reader feel sorry, sad, and afraid when reading the story. Describe the woman's reaction to each situation she is in through her actions and words.
In the story of Matilda, Matilda is told as a woman who loves a man. His life began to be threatened when it turned out that there was another man who secretly also loved him
Step 5. Consider creating a story as if it really happened
Many gothic fiction novels use this technique, for example by presenting a diary written by the character. This kind of technique is able to add a mysterious element to the story you present, as well as invite the reader to imagine that the story really happened.
For example, Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker both use the above technique to frame their story; they present the story through the characters' letters and diaries
Part 3 of 3: Writing Gothic Fiction
Step 1. Introduce your story to readers
At the beginning of the story, make sure you describe the setting and characters in your story well; but remember, don't give too much information! Save some information to present at the right time, such as information about the antagonist and other mysterious elements. You can give brief hints, but don't be too transparent.
Step 2. Keep the dark and gruesome feel to your story
One way to build a horror feel is to explain simple details; try to describe the moon, the wind blowing, or the dark corridor that leads to a specific dungeon. You can also describe each character's actions and feelings, as well as the facial expressions in each situation.
Step 3. Keep the suspense and mystery in your story
Tempt your readers by giving glimpses of ghosts, vampires, antagonists, or other odd characters in your story. Give a brief hint about the curse inherited by the X family, but don't go into details at the beginning of the story.
Step 4. Describe each “peak” or “climax” emotion throughout your story
Describe climaxing emotions such as screaming, fainting, or sobbing. Those hysterical moments can trap the reader's interest and draw them further into your story.
Step 5. Create the feel of madness
Describe the feelings, thoughts, and concerns of someone who is frightened and on the verge of going crazy. This approach will lead the reader to question what really happened.
For example, Roderick turns into a lunatic in Edgar Allan Poe's novel Fall of the House of Usher. Changes in psychological and emotional conditions are effective in adding tension and horror to the story
Step 6. Kill some of the characters in your story
No matter how much you love each character, good gothic fiction is usually marked by the death of one or more of its main characters. The character's death doesn't have to be incredibly brutal and sadistic (although you can do that too), but it has to be gruesome and odd. Make sure you describe the situation in as much detail as possible.
For example, Conrad in Horace Walpole's novel Castle of Otranto died shortly before marriage because he was crushed by a giant helmet
Step 7. End the story with an unexpected twist or ending
Good gothic fiction will almost certainly have an unexpected ending; This kind of ending forces the reader to question all the events and characters you've built throughout the story. For example, you can bring back someone who has died; think of an idea that might surprise the reader.
In his novel Fall of the House of Usher, Edgar Allen Poe manages to make readers question the validity of the death of one of his characters, namely when Madeline appears at the door and falls on Roderick's body; even though Roderick believed that Madeline was dead
Tips
- To be a great writer, you first need to be an avid connoisseur. Read more gothic fiction to deepen your understanding of the genre. The greater your understanding of the characteristics of the genre, the easier it will be for you to create your own.
- Show your story to friends and relatives. Ask them to provide criticism and suggestions that can improve the quality of your story.
