Horror Tropes
What is the common setting for horror stories?
Late at night, in an abandoned house, forest, graveyard, etc.
Who wrote Dracula?
Bram Stoker.
What is the name for giving human qualities to objects?
Personification
Who is usually the main villain in a horror story?
A "supernatural being" such as a monster, ghost, or witch.
In The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror, what classic vampire does Mr. Burns parody?
Dracula.
Name one classic monster in horror literature.
Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, Werewolf, etc.
What is the monster’s name in Frankenstein?
It has no name, but is often called Frankenstein’s Monster.
What is “imagery” in writing?
Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
What is a common trait of horror protagonists?
Fearful but brave, resourceful, or determined. Innocence is important for a protagonist in horror.
What is the name of the creepy doll in The Conjuring universe?
Annabelle.
What is a “final girl” in horror movies/books?
The last surviving female character who defeats the villain.
In The Tell-Tale Heart, what body part drives the narrator mad?
The old man's eye.
What type of narration makes the reader feel trapped in the character’s mind?
First-person narration.
What is a “red herring” character?
Someone who seems important or dangerous but is a distraction.
In Stranger Things, what is the name of the monster from the Upside Down?
The Demogorgon.
What country does the Mummy monster come from?
Egypt.
Which Stephen King novel features a killer clown?
It.
What is the term for a hint that something bad will happen?
Foreshadowing.
What role does the sceptic play in horror stories?
They don’t believe in the supernatural until it’s too late.
Which popular video game series features zombies and a corporation called Umbrella?
Why do horror stories often take place at night?
Darkness increases fear and uncertainty, and it's quiet and isolated at night.
In Coraline, what is creepy about the “other mother”?
She has buttons for eyes.
What is the difference between suspense and surprise?
Suspense builds tension over time, and surprise is sudden and unexpected.
Why do horror stories often have characters make bad decisions?
It increases tension and keeps the plot moving.
In Scooby-Doo, the "monsters" are usually what?
People in disguise.