Your Ultimate Guide to Gothic Romance

Ever wondered what the key components of a True Gothic Romance are? Although you will probably at least have a vague idea of what a gothic romance should look and feel like, I believe it is high time we do some more thorough examination. Dressing in black and kissing in graveyards is just too basic.

Based on numerous gothic romance stories from books, songs and movies/series, I made a list of 12 characteristics of the gothic romance. I did not limit myself to only those romances which are mutual, healthy and happy (let’s be honest here; we would have nothing left to analyse). To give you an idea of the gothic romances I used, these are the most well-known: Catherine and Heathcliff, Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, Pip and Estella, Maxim de Winter and unnamed bride, Laura and Carmilla, the Phantom and Christine, Mina and Count Dracula (movie adaptation only, as the original novel does not feature a love story). Some examples of gothic romances in music can be found in my article on the Best Gothic Love Songs of All Time. In no particular order, here are the 12 most important common features of the Gothic Romance:

One True Love

This seems like an obvious one, but the first step for any aspiring gothic lover is to find your soulmate. I know, I know, that’s easier said than done. To be honest, there’s not much you can do about this one, it just has to happen.

Obsession

… And when you do find him/her, say farewell to your family, friends, work and yoga instructor. A true gothic romance is not just loving another, but obsessing over another.

Hate

What is the old saying again? “There’s a thin line between love and hate”? Well, that’s most certainly true for the gothic romance. Even those who are madly in love with each other often harbour a profound hatred as well (looking at Catherine and Heathcliff). Others just seem unsure whether to hate or love (Mina and Dracula, for example).

Never-ending curse

And you can’t ever stop. Once in a gothic romance, always in a gothic romance. Rejection is not an excuse to stop stalking your love interest, and death is no excuse to stop pursuing someone. “Coffins can be opened”, as Heathcliff would say.

Creepiness

If necromancy is not your thing, you can also stalk your love interest from early childhood onwards and then try to lure them into your cave of despair when they’re old enough to… -Well, you get the idea.

Epic and dark settings

But all the above cannot take place in your mom’s kitchen. You need a gothic setting. I’m talking haunted mansions and abandoned castles here. Misty moors and underground dungeons will also do nicely.

Murder

Do not be alarmed, but either you or your love interest should murder a few people. If actual murder is really out of your comfort zone, you might try destroying some lives without killing. Just make a few people close to you very, very miserable.

Mental illness

Don’t worry, specific diagnoses are not necessary. Just plain crazy will do. The good news though, it doesn’t have to be you or your love interest whose upstairs is a bit shaken. It can be your former wife who you didn’t like much, for example. Related to the point above, it is okay to solve this issue by murdering her, or locking her in your basement whilst conquering the heart of your true love. Just don’t give her a lighter.

Bad communication

For example, letting your love interest believe that you’re not interested. Then continue to manipulate them into feeling insecure to make them fall in love with you. Then, when everything falls apart and it’s pretty much too late for the two of you to get your happy ending, tell them how you feel.

Don’t be a peasant

Something noteworthy about gothic romances: one of the lovers is usually loaded. Close to none of them are poor. After all, an epic gothic tale would just not have the same feeling when set in a farmhouse, right? That’s probably the reason why, as far as I know, there’s no gothic romance for peasants, so advise: don’t be a peasant.

Travel back in time to the 18^th or 19^th century

Apart from finding the right atmosphere, I highly doubt that you’ll be able to commit multiple murders in a public place and make people believe you’re a ghost in these days. Besides, it’s far easier to dress Victorian gothic whilst actually living in Victorian times.

Unhappy endings

I bet you saw this one coming, but I still hate to do this. It’s the truth though: even some of the couples who do end up together are not truly happy. A small consolation for them: they make for some of the best and most famous stories ever told.

I hope this article was a fun read. If you’re aim is to pursue your own gothic romance, however, let us part with the following wisdom: be careful what you wish for 😉 It might just haunt you forever.

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