One common element is a tragic backstory. This could be the death of a loved one or being betrayed. Another is a sense of isolation. Dark heroes often feel alone in their fight. And there's usually a strong motivation, like vengeance or a desire to right a great wrong.
One element in a hero's dark story could be a sense of powerlessness. Despite being a hero, there are situations where they can't save everyone. For instance, a superhero might not be able to stop a large - scale disaster. Isolation is also possible. A hero might be so different from normal people because of their powers or experiences that they feel alone. Guilt is another element. If a hero makes a mistake that results in harm to others, they will carry that guilt. And then there's the element of a tragic past. This could be something like being an orphan or growing up in a very poor and violent environment.
In an 'in a dark dark room story', a typical element is the exploration of the unknown. The dark room represents the unknown territory that the character has to face. There's also the idea of a transformation. Maybe the character who enters the dark room comes out changed, either because of what they found or what they experienced. Additionally, the limited visibility in the dark room forces the character to rely on other senses, which can lead to some interesting plot developments, like misinterpreting a normal sound as something dangerous in the dark.
Take Wolverine as an example for a hero's dark story. He has a long and tortured past filled with experiments and violence. His claws, which are both his weapons and a symbol of his mutation, have caused him to accidentally harm those he loves. He has been used as a weapon in many wars and battles, and his memories of all that bloodshed haunt him. His long life also means he has to endure the loss of many friends and loved ones over and over again, which has made his character quite dark at times.
In a hero love story, there is usually a strong attraction at the beginning. It's like a spark that sets everything in motion. Then there are challenges that test the relationship. These challenges can be external, like a war or a curse, or internal, like jealousy or mistrust. And finally, there is often a resolution, whether it's a happy ending where they are together, or a tragic ending that makes the story even more memorable. For example, Romeo and Juliet had a strong initial attraction, faced many challenges from their families, and ended in a tragic way that has made their love story one of the most famous in the world.
Typical elements in a dark fantasy story often include a gloomy and mysterious setting, like a haunted forest or a decaying castle. There are usually complex and morally ambiguous characters, such as anti - heroes who may have both good and bad sides. Dark magic is also a common feature, with spells that can bring destruction or transformation. And there are often otherworldly creatures, like demons or undead beings, which add to the sense of danger and the unknown.
Often, in a 'dark desire story', there is a sense of isolation. As the character follows their dark desire, they may distance themselves from friends and family. Also, there is a sort of moral decay. The more they pursue the dark desire, the more they lose their sense of right and wrong. For example, if the dark desire is for fame at any cost, they might start to lie and cheat without hesitation. This can lead to a downward spiral in their life and relationships.
Darkness is a common element. In most dark sider stories, there is a character or a force that is associated with the lack of light, either literally or metaphorically. Fear also plays a big role. The dark sider often instills fear in others, like the way a monster in a horror story scares the protagonists.
Common elements in a 'dark urge story' include a sense of mystery. Since the dark urge is something not easily understood or controlled, it adds an air of mystery to the character. There's also the theme of temptation. The character is constantly tempted by the dark urge, whether it's the urge to do evil or just something that goes against their values. Additionally, there is usually a journey of self - discovery as the character tries to understand and deal with this part of themselves.
One common element is a spooky setting like a dark forest or an old castle. Another is the presence of a familiar, often a cat or a raven. Dark magic is also a typical part.
Another element is a sense of danger. The characters in these stories are often in peril. Whether it's being chased by an unseen force in a haunted house or being lost in a cursed place. This danger creates tension and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. In a 'dark mysteries story' about a possessed doll, the people around the doll are constantly in danger of being harmed by the doll's malevolent spirit.