Gothic horror, also known as gothic fiction, is a literary genre characterized by an environment of fear, the threat of supernatural events, and the intrusion of the past upon the present or the present being haunted by the past. The setting typically includes physical reminders of the past, especially through ruined buildings which stand as proof of a previously thriving world which is decaying in the present. The atmosphere is typically claustrophobic, and common plot elements include vengeful persecution, imprisonment, and murder. The depiction of horrible events in Gothic fiction often serves as a metaphorical expression of psychological or social conflicts.

Some key features of gothic horror include:

• Gothic architecture: The name "gothic" comes from the gothic architecture of the European Middle Ages, which is often used as a setting in gothic fiction.

• Supernatural elements: Gothic horror often includes supernatural elements such as ghosts, vampires, and monsters.

• Melodrama: Gothic horror is often marked by high drama and a romantic idealization of death.

• Terrible secrets: Common plot elements in gothic horror include terrible secrets that are revealed over the course of the story.

• Emphasis on emotion: Gothic horror often emphasizes the emotions of the characters, particularly fear and dread.

• Mental illness: Characters in gothic horror often suffer from mental illness or psychological trauma.

• Women in distress: Women are often portrayed as being in distress or in need of rescue in gothic horror.

• Abuse of power: Gothic horror often explores themes of abuse of power, particularly by those in positions of authority.

• Nature: Nature is often used as a setting in gothic horror, particularly in the form of bleak and oppressive landscapes.

• Romance: While not a requirement, romance is sometimes a part of gothic horror, although it is not the focus of the story.

Gothic horror can be considered a subgenre of horror, but not all horror is gothic. Gothic horror can be traced back nearly 300 years to Britain in the mid-18th century and has since flourished and branched off into many popular subgenres.