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Horror Fiction

scary label

 

Horror Fiction uses supernatural elements to create stories which incite fear, horror, or terror in readers.


[Horror fiction] shows us that the control we believe we have is purely illusory, and that every moment we teeter on chaos and oblivion.

Clive Barker,

horror author and film director

 

Characteristics

Setting: Horror fiction is typically set in the real world, or otherwise realistic setting, either in present day or the past.

 

Plot: Horror fiction stories contain scary and unexpected events. The conflict requires characters to overcome a malevolent supernatural force.

 

Characters: Characters are usually ordinary people who are forced to face extraordinary circumstances.

 

Themes: Horror stories have existed for hundreds of years, going back to traditional folklore. Many of the same themes are still found in contemporary horror and can include human fears, death, good versus evil, or the unknown.

Subgenres

Comic Horror: Stories that spoof horror conventions or mix gore with humor.

 

Dark Fantasy: Combines fantasy elements with darker and more frightening elements of horror.

 

Gothic Horror: Usually set between the Middle Ages and the 19th Century, Gothic Horror or Gothic Fiction is characterized by elements of fear, death, and gloom, as well as romantic elements, such as nature, individuality, and emotion. 

 

Hauntings and Ghost Stories: Classic tales of ghost stories, hauntings, poltergeists, and demons.

 

Paranormal Romance: Paranormal Romance may depict supernatural beings such as werewolves or vampires in a different, more positive light. Like other romance stories, Paranormal Romance centers on relationships and romantic love.

 

Supernatural Menace: Supernatural horror contains malevolent supernatural beings and monsters.

 

Zombie: Zombie stories feature flesh-eating reanimated corpses.

Authors

  • Tracey Baptiste
  • Clive Barker
  • LIbba Bray
  • Rin Chupeco
  • Cynthia DeFelice
  • Joseph Delaney
  • Margaret Downing Hahn
  • Anthony Horowitz
  • Eva Ibbotson
  • Claire LeGrand
  • Jonathan Maberry
  • Patrick Ness
  • Joan Lowery Nixon
  • Kenneth Oppel
  • Ransom Riggs
  • William Ritter
  • R. L. Stine
  • Jonathan Stroud
  • Kate Thompson
  • Rick Yancey

Notable Horror Fiction

Comic Horror

Dark Fantasy

Gothic Horror

Hauntings and Ghost Stories

Paranormal Romance

Supernatural Menace

Zombie

Resources

Short Stories

Bram Stoker Award Winners and Nominees