Heroes, Heroines, and Villains - Gothic novels usually have a hero or heroine, but do not always have a clear-cut villain. Frequently, the heroes and heroines do not choose to become heroes or heroines. Instead, their circumstances force them to act in brave or heroic ways that they would normally avoid. Harry Potter is very similar to the reluctant heroes and heroines found in Gothic novels. Harry never chooses to be a hero; he hates the fame and attention his accomplishments have brought him. Yet, his circumstances force him into action. Harry does not go out looking for mysteries to solve or villains to defeat. Instead, those things seem to come to him.
Classic Examples
Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley
Setting: The novel begins and ends in the Arctic, a setting that is isolated with intolerably cruel weather. The setting comes to represent the creature's connection with society, one in which he was socially isolated and treated heartlessly.
Good vs. Evil: The conflict Shelley provides between Frankenstein and his creation blurs the lines that exist between good and evil. She presents the creature in a way that forces readers to question if he is evil or a product of his environment, leaving Dr. Frankenstein at fault for his creation's actions.
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) by Oscar Wilde
Supernatural Forces: Wilde's novel focuses on the bargain the titular protagonist makes assuring he remains forever young while his portrait bears the impact of age. In exchange for his soul, the portrait will grow old while Dorian remains youthful. Despite his outer appearance remaining beautiful, it is his character that begins to decay. Dorian eventually stabs the painting to rid himself of it, and upon doing so, the portrait regains the image of Dorian's youth while he lies dead on the floor as an old man with a knife in his heart.
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