What are the common tropes in American Horror Story?

The 'evil child' trope is quite prominent. Characters like Tate in the first season exhibit disturbing and malevolent behavior that defies their innocent appearance. It's a classic horror trope that American Horror Story uses effectively.

The show also makes use of the 'body horror' trope. There are many scenes that involve grotesque physical transformations or mutilations, like the various monsters and creatures that appear throughout the different seasons. It's a way to shock the audience and create a sense of unease.

In 'Tv Tropes Christmas Horror Story', a frequent trope is the subversion of Christmas traditions. For example, instead of presents bringing joy, they might bring death or some kind of curse. The setting of a snow - covered, idyllic Christmas town being a facade for a place full of horror is another. Characters might initially be excited for the Christmas season, but then things quickly turn dark. This plays on the audience's expectations of the Christmas season being a happy time, and then shatters those expectations with horror elements.

It uses the trope of isolation. By setting characters in isolated places like an old asylum or a spooky mansion, it amps up the fear factor. The trope of the unknown also plays a big role. For example, when there are unexplained noises or shadowy figures, it makes the audience feel uneasy.

The trope of the individual against society is quite prevalent in American novels. Think of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' where Atticus Finch stands up against the prejudiced views of the town. The concept of the journey, both physical and spiritual, is also a common trope. Characters embark on trips that lead to self - discovery. And the use of regionalism, like the unique settings in Southern or New England novels, which add flavor and authenticity to the story.

Yes, one common trope is the haunted attic or basement. In a will estate horror story, the attic or basement is often filled with old junk, but also something much more sinister. It might be the place where an old relative was locked away and died, and now their spirit haunts it. Another trope is the portrait on the wall that seems to watch the characters no matter where they go in the house.

Some common tropes include the unexpected twist at the end. For example, the character you thought was the hero turns out to be the villain all along. Another is the use of isolation. Placing characters in a remote location, like an island or a deserted town, heightens the sense of danger. There's also the idea of the dark family secret. It could be that a family has a history of witchcraft or some other dark practice that comes back to haunt the present - day family members.

One common trope is that the hot maid might be the first to sense the supernatural presence. For example, she could notice strange noises or cold spots in the old mansion where she works. Another is that she may be a target of the horror entity. Maybe the evil spirit has a vendetta against the family she serves and uses her as a means to get to them. Also, she could be a red herring, making the characters and the audience think she's involved in the spooky happenings when she's actually innocent.

One common theme is the exploration of the dark side of human nature. Characters often have deep - seated desires, fears, and secrets that drive the horror. Another is the use of supernatural elements like ghosts, witches, and demons. For example, in some seasons, witches play a central role with their powers and coven politics. Also, the idea of a distorted or dysfunctional family is common, where family members' relationships are warped and often lead to terrifying situations.

One common theme is the exploration of the grotesque. It often shows distorted human forms or abnormal behaviors, like in 'Freak Show'. Another theme is the blurring of reality and the supernatural. For example, ghosts and spirits interact with the living in many seasons. Also, it frequently delves into psychological horror, such as the inner turmoil of the characters which can be as terrifying as any external threat.