Well, they often feature dark and spooky settings. For example, old castles with secret passages. The characters are usually complex, like the vampire Dracul who is both alluring and terrifying. There's also a lot of mystery and suspense in these novels, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Bram Stoker is the most well - known author associated with Dracul - related horror novels. His 'Dracula' is a classic in the genre.
The main themes in the 'Dracul historical novel' are power and corruption. Dracul has a certain kind of power as a vampire, and this power can corrupt those around him. There's also the theme of love and sacrifice. Some characters may have to sacrifice their own well - being or even their lives to fight against Dracul. And finally, the theme of secrecy. The existence of vampires is a secret that must be kept from the general public, and this secrecy adds to the overall mystery of the story.
Many 2020 horror novels seemed to focus on modern fears. For example, in 'The Only Good Indians', there was a sense of dread related to the past coming back to haunt the present, which could be seen as a reflection of our fear of past mistakes catching up with us.
These horror novels also had a strong sense of mystery. In 'The Fireman', the origin and nature of the spore that was causing people to combust was a mystery that drove the plot forward. The readers were constantly trying to figure out what was going on, which added to the overall sense of unease and horror. There was also a trend towards more complex characters who had to deal with the horror in different ways, adding depth to the stories.
The 2019 horror novels had several characteristics. A lot of them had a strong sense of atmosphere. Whether it was the oppressive heat in a southern setting or the cold isolation of an old mansion, the settings added to the horror. The use of unreliable narrators was also common. This added an extra layer of mystery and unease as the reader couldn't always trust what they were being told. Moreover, these novels often had a moral or ethical underpinning, making the horror not just about scares but also about deeper human concerns.
One characteristic of horror novels is the creation of a menacing atmosphere. Authors use things like dark settings, strange noises, and gloomy weather to make readers feel uneasy. Another is the presence of terrifying characters, such as vampires, ghosts or deranged killers. Also, horror novels often play on the fears of the unknown, leaving readers in suspense and making them constantly wonder what's going to happen next.
Many of them play with the sense of the unknown. For example, they might have settings like abandoned asylums or old, haunted houses where there are things lurking in the shadows that the characters (and readers) don't understand at first.
Many of them would likely play on the psychological fears of the readers. This could include things like the fear of losing one's mind, or the fear of being alone in a menacing situation. They might also use elements of the supernatural in a way that was believable within the context of the story, blurring the lines between the real and the otherworldly. This was a time when horror was exploring different ways to terrify its audience, and these novels from 1976 were part of that exploration.
Well, first of all, Dracul is central. His power, his motives, and his actions drive the story. Then, there might be a love interest for the hero or heroine. This character can add an emotional aspect to the story. There could also be a mentor - like figure, perhaps a priest or an elder who has studied the lore of vampires for a long time. This character can provide valuable information and guidance to the younger characters in their battle against Dracul.
Many of them had a focus on psychological horror. For example, in some novels, the real horror came from the minds of the characters rather than just external monsters. It made the readers feel more involved as they could relate to the psychological states.