To identify the characteristics of horror novels, first, pay attention to the pacing. Horror novels often have a slow build - up to increase the tension. Then, check for the use of fear - inducing themes such as death, the afterlife, or the dark side of human nature. Additionally, the way the author describes the environment can be a giveaway. A desolate and spooky landscape is common in horror novels.
You can identify the characteristics of horror novels by looking at the mood. If it's gloomy, full of fear and unease, it's likely a horror novel. Also, the presence of scary elements like monsters or haunted places is a sign. For example, if there's a werewolf prowling in the forest, it's a horror trope.
One way to identify the characteristics of horror novels is through the characters. If there are characters that are meant to be feared, like a serial killer or a demonic entity, it's a sign. Another aspect is the narrative structure. Horror novels usually have a structure that leads the reader from a state of relative calm to extreme fear. The language used is also important. If it's filled with words that evoke a sense of dread, like 'ominous' or 'sinister', it's likely a horror novel.