What are some notable fictional serial killers and their characteristics?

Often, fictional female serial killers are depicted as having a strong sense of self - preservation. In books like 'Dark Places', the female character involved in the killings seems to be acting in a way that protects herself, either from her past or from potential threats. They can also be associated with a sense of powerlessness in their normal lives which they try to overcome through their violent actions. For instance, in 'Misery', Annie Wilkes' actions can be seen as a way to gain control in a world where she felt she had none. Moreover, they may have a distorted view of relationships, as seen in 'We Need to Talk about Kevin' where the mother's relationship with her son is very abnormal and related to his violent tendencies.

The Zodiac Killer is another very well - known serial killer. He taunted the police with letters and ciphers. He committed a series of murders in Northern California in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His identity remains a mystery, and his case has intrigued people for decades, with many trying to decipher his messages and figure out who he was.

A popular one is 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris. It gives a detailed look at the mind of Francis Dolarhyde, a serial killer with a complex set of motives. The book shows how his past traumas and his own twisted fantasies drive his actions.

The serial killers in 2015 fiction tend to be highly intelligent. Take 'The Kind Worth Killing'. The character in this book is intelligent enough to manipulate those around him to achieve his murderous goals. They may also have a hidden motivation that is slowly revealed throughout the story. Sometimes it could be revenge for a past wrong, or a warped sense of justice. And they are often depicted as being able to blend into society, making it difficult for others to suspect them.

In some of these books, the serial killers are often highly intelligent. For example, in 'The Girl in the Ice', the killer is very cunning and leaves few clues. They are also usually very methodical in their killings. They have a pattern or a ritual that they follow, which makes them both terrifying and also a challenge for the detectives to figure out.

Definitely 'The Silence of the Lambs'. It has been extremely popular and was also made into a very successful movie. Hannibal Lecter has become an iconic fictional serial killer.

Some notable fictional serial killers based on Ed Gein include Norman Bates from 'Psycho'. His character was inspired by Gein's disturbing acts.

The 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is a classic. It features the infamous Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a cannibalistic serial killer. The book is full of suspense as the protagonist, Clarice Starling, tries to solve a case with Lecter's help, all while being in a dangerous cat - and - mouse game with him.

The first one that comes to mind is Hannibal Lecter. He's so iconic that his character has been adapted into multiple movies. Another notable one is Dexter Morgan from the 'Dexter' series of books. He is a serial killer who only kills other killers, which gives him a unique moral code in the world of fictional serial killers. There's also Mr. Hyde from 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. He represents the evil alter - ego of Dr. Jekyll, emerging to commit heinous acts.

Often, they are very manipulative. For example, Ted Bundy used his charm to gain the trust of his victims. They may also have a lack of empathy, which allows them to commit such heinous crimes without remorse.