| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Setting in a castle | The action takes place in and around an old castle, sometimes seemingly abandoned, sometimes occupied. The castle often contains secret passages, trap doors, secret rooms, dark or hidden staircases, and possibly ruined sections. The castle may be near or connected to caves, which lend their own haunting flavor with their tunnels, claustrophobia, and mystery. |
| Atmosphere of mystery and suspense | A threatening feeling, a fear enhanced by the unknown--pervades the work. Often the plot itself is built around a mystery, such as unknown parentage, a disappearance, or some other inexplicable event. |
| Ancient prophecy | Connected with the castle or its inhabitants (either former or present); Usually obscure, partial, or confusing. "What could it mean?" |
| Omens, portents, and/or visions | Add to the suspense and commonly foreshadow future events. A character may have a disturbing dream or vision, or some phenomenon may be seen as a portent of coming events. For example, if the statue of the lord of the manor falls over, it may portend his death. |
| Supernatural or otherwise inexplicable events | Ghosts or giants walking, or inanimate objects (such as a suit of armor or painting) coming to life. In some works, the events are ultimately given a natural explanation, while in others the events are truly supernatural. |
| High--even overwrought--emotion | Frequently, highly sentimental characters are often overcome by anger, sorrow, surprise, and especially terror. Characters suffer from raw nerves and a feeling of impending doom. Crying and emotional speeches or outbursts recur. Breathlessness and panic are common. |
| Women in distress | Appeals to the pathos and sympathy of the reader, the female characters often face events that leave them fainting, terrified, screaming, and/or sobbing. A lonely, pensive, and oppressed heroine is often the central figure of the novel, so her sufferings are even more pronounced and the focus of attention. |
| Women threatened by a powerful, impulsive, tyrannical male | The perfect candidates for heroines. One or more male characters has the power, as king, lord of the manor, father, or guardian, to demand that one or more of the female characters do something intolerable. The woman may be commanded to marry someone she does not love (it may even be the powerful male himself) or to commit a crime or other moral misdeed. |
| Metonymy of gloom and horror | The setting a key element in the plot. |
Combine with other sets
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