Characters + Twist = Outcome

Copyright 2018 by Gary L. Pullman

It's possible to analyze the plot dynamics of horror fiction, whether a particular narrative or drama takes the form of a novel, a short story, a narrative poem, or a movie), in a variety of ways.

In the scheme proposed in this post, two (occasionally, more) characters are involved in a relationship of some sort, and an unknown, unusual or extraordinary twist causes or facilitates a significant outcome, which may or may not be catastrophic.

Movie: Hide and Seek (2005)

Characters: Dr. David Calloway and Emily Calloway

Relationship: Father and daughter

Twist: David is schizophrenic; he has an alter ego called "Charlie"

Outcome:  Charlie is killed after he attacks Emily (murder and attempted murder)

Movie: The Exorcist (1973)

Characters: Father Damien Karras and Regan MacNeil

Relationship: Father Karras, an exorcist, exorcises demon-possessed Regan

Twist: The demon possesses its true target, Father Karras

Outcome: Father Karras commits suicide, but Regan is delivered (deliverance)

Movie: The Others (2001)

Characters: Grace Stewart, Anne Stewart, and Nicholas Stewart

Relationship: Grace is the mother of Anne and Nicholas

Twist: Grace and her children are ghosts

Outcome: Grace discovers that she is in Limbo after having killed Anne and Nicholas and murdered herself (discovery of truth)

 

 Movie: The Sixth Sense (1999)

Characters: Malcolm Crowe and Cole Sear

Relationship: Malcolm is a psychologist; Nathan is one of his patients

Twist: Malcolm discovers he is a ghost (discovery of truth)

Outcome: Malcolm is able to rest in peace (acceptance)

Movie: Psycho (1960)

Characters: Norman Bates and his “mother”

Relationship: Norman is a motel owner; he lives with and takes care of his mother

Twist:  Norman is schizophrenic; “Mother” is Norman's alter ego, who kills a motel guest

Outcome: “Mother” completely takes over Norman's mind (destruction of personality)

Movie: The Most Dangerous Game (1924)

Characters: Sanger Rainsford and General Zarof

Relationship: Rainsford is Zaroff's guest

Twist: Zaroff hunts Rainsford

Outcome: Rainsford survives, after killing Zaroff (implied) (survival)