Well, in French, a Gothic novel often involves dark and mysterious settings, complex characters, and themes like death and the unknown. It creates an atmosphere of suspense and fear.
A lot of classic and contemporary fictions use French names to add an element of romance. Characters named Juliette or Luc are often depicted as passionate and charming. The soft sounds and the cultural associations of French names contribute to this romantic allure.
In fiction, French names often add a touch of elegance and sophistication. For example, in 'Les Misérables', the name Jean Valjean is very iconic. The use of French names can help set the story in a French - inspired context, whether it's historical France or a fictional French - like world. It also gives characters a certain charm, as French names are associated with the rich culture, art, and history of France.
The names in Gone with the Wind are usually in English, but some of the names are in French. For example, the name Scarlet O'Hara was a mixture of English and French. During the American Civil War, the Southern society generally used French words as names.
An example of a British, American, and French celebrity's name was as follows:
- Mariah Carey
- Tom Hanks
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Audrey Hepburn
- Marlon Brando
- Jack Pennilson
- Nicolas Cage
- Orlando Bloom
Vladimir. It has a dark and mysterious sound, often associated with vampires in gothic literature. Another could be Isabella, a name that can be both elegant and a bit spooky. And then there's Damien, which gives off a menacing vibe.
Edgar Allan Poe is a big name in gothic fiction. His works, like 'The Fall of the House of Usher', are filled with dark, mysterious elements. The decaying mansions, the psychological turmoil of the characters, and the sense of impending doom are all hallmarks of gothic literature that Poe mastered.
Some good family names for gothic novels could be Blackwood. It gives an air of mystery and darkness. Another one is Ravenwood, which is associated with ravens, often seen as symbols of death or the supernatural in gothic literature. Also, Thornfield is a great option as it sounds a bit spooky and can be associated with a large, imposing estate that is often a key setting in gothic novels.
Boyer. It's simple and easy to remember. For a story set in a small French village, a character named Boyer could be the local baker, known for his delicious bread and kind heart.
Moreau. It gives an impression of mystery. You could use it for a detective character in a mystery story. Detective Moreau would be very intelligent and observant, always on the hunt for clues.