Gothic isn’t dead.

Since Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, to Elisabeth Thomas’ Catherine House, there’s no slowing down the appetite for dark, dangerous, and compelling.

Gothic books (and other media) require a number of elements that make it ripe for gripping, sweeping narratives. Gothic tales oftentimes contain:

• Castle, manor, or haunted house setting (think: Bly Manor, Hill House)
• Damsel in distress or danger
• Damsel threatened by domineering or otherwise powerful male
• Atmosphere rich with suspense and mystery
• Omens/visions
• Supernatural events (but could be natural, and otherwise explainable, just not apparent immediately)
• Gloominess/grayness/darkness of lighting and setting
• The colors black, red, gray, white
• A lack of color, emotionally or otherwise, at least not in the middle of the story
• Days marked by fear, dread, or wariness
• Not as many close friends or allies
• Area relegated to single community/town/area, limiting the landscape scope
• Characters may crave companionship of some sort, may suffer from loneliness, ostracism, or social or physical defects
• Could include gardens, cemeteries, the woods, and other outdoor spaces
• Inability to escape easily (could be landscape, lack of money, weather, etc.)
• Answers to questions are revealed