Gothic Characters

Gothic Characters There are stereotypical characters in Gothic literature. They are not used in every single Gothic text every time but generally you can find a character or characters that follow the same characterization. The Doppelganger The Unreliable Narrator The Damsel in Distress The Anit-Hero The Supernatural character

The Doppelgänger German: double-goer/ the double Ghostly counterpart of another person. Body double, alter ego, identical other person. Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Sometimes used to represent repressed desires/social anxieties. Represents the duality of human nature – we all have a dark side! It represents the civilised rational side and the barbaric, animalistic side of human nature. A double is caught between their wanting to conform to society and to embrace the dangerous/ taboo sides of life. Quite often it doesn't work and the character falls into insanity.... Or worse!

The Unreliable Narrator The narrator’s ability to accurately relate events is suspect. The narrator makes incorrect assumptions or conclusions, or misunderstands situations or other characters. Often the narrator will claim not to be mad. He or she tries to convince the reader to believe their story, to believe they are a rational human. An unreliable narrator is used so the reader questions the truth. If the truth is ambiguous, then it provides further unease. Gothic literature is all about the FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.

The Damsel in Distress A virtuous, idealistic, and usually poetic young woman pursued by a wicked, older, potent aristocrat. The pursuit threatens the young lady’s morals and ideals. She usually responds with passive courage. A man is always required to rescue her. How has this changed in contemporary films? What are some examples of text’s that use a Damsel in Distress?

The Protagonist and Antagonist The protagonist (the hero) is the central person in a story, and is often referred to as the story's main character. He or she (or they) is faced with a conflict that must be resolved. The protagonist may not always be likeable. The antagonist (the villain) is the character(s) (or situation) that represents the opposition against which the protagonist must contend. In other words, the antagonist is an obstacle that the protagonist must overcome.

The Anti-Hero A well rounded character. Can be seen as more realistic to real-life human nature. Their motivations and personality contain more complexities than the conventional, one-dimensional hero. For example: a serial killer that only kills other killers… In other words, someone who may do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Often the audience will empathise and connect with the character further.

The Supernatural As assortment of characters that possess otherworldly abilities. Ghosts Spirits of incarnate evils possessing beings such as children and inanimate objects. Vampires Werewolves Witches Demons Sometimes the illusion of the Supernatural is used to convey a character’s state of mind.

Drama Characters tend to be very dramatic. Anger, surprise, terror, ect. Runs on high emotion. Characters are often crying, screaming, ect. Makes the audience feel uncomfortable.