What are the characteristics of award winning horror novels?

Complex characters are a key characteristic. In these novels, the characters often have deep - seated psychological issues. For example, in 'The Shining', Jack Torrance's alcoholism and his struggle with his writing career contribute to his vulnerability to the hotel's evil. This makes his psychological breakdown more believable and terrifying.

Some award winning horror fiction is known for its psychological depth. It gets inside the heads of the characters and makes the readers feel their fear and paranoia. It might play with concepts like reality and illusion, making the readers question what is real. The stories can also be a commentary on society in some way, using horror as a vehicle to expose the dark underbelly of human nature or social problems.

Award - winning romance novels often have well - developed characters. The main characters are complex, with their own personalities, dreams, and flaws. For example, in 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, Jane is a strong - willed and independent woman, which makes her relationship with Mr. Rochester more interesting.

A characteristic is their ability to create immersive worlds. Take 'Hyperion' for instance. The world it creates is vast and full of different cultures and mysteries. Hugo Award winning novels usually also have engaging plots. 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' has a plot that spans centuries, keeping the reader interested with its twists and turns related to the rise and fall of knowledge. Another aspect is their impact on the genre. 'Foundation' has had a huge impact on science fiction as a whole, influencing many other works with its ideas of large - scale historical development.

Many award - winning graphic novels are known for their unique narrative styles. 'Watchmen' is a prime example. It plays with the concept of the superhero genre in a non - traditional way, deconstructing it. Also, they tend to have well - developed characters. In 'Fun Home', the complex relationship between the author and her father is explored through the detailed characterizations. And they often have a certain cultural or historical significance, like 'The Sandman' which draws on various mythologies and cultural references.

Top award - winning novels usually have excellent writing styles. Take 'Ulysses' by James Joyce. Its stream - of - consciousness writing is complex yet masterful. They also tend to have a great impact on society or the literary world. 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison, for instance, brought the issue of slavery and its aftermath to the forefront of American literature.

Well - developed characters are also important. In 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris, the characters of Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter are so vivid. Their interactions and their own internal struggles add depth to the mystery. Usually, award winning mystery novels also have a great sense of suspense. They keep the reader on the edge of their seat, like in 'Sherlock Holmes' stories. Doyle was a master at creating suspenseful situations that make the reader eager to find out how Holmes will solve the mystery.

They usually have engaging characters. In 'All the Light We Cannot See', the two main characters are so well - developed that readers can't help but be drawn into their individual plights and the overarching story of the war. The characters feel real and their emotions are palpable.

They usually deal with mature themes. Take 'The Kite Runner' as an example. It tackles themes such as guilt, redemption, and the political situation in Afghanistan. These are themes that are more suitable for adult audiences who can better understand and reflect on them.