Dark fantasy is a genre that explores the darker side of human nature, often delving into the macabre and grotesque. It’s a genre that’s not afraid to explore the depths of depravity, and its stories often feature antiheroes, morally ambiguous characters, and bleak, foreboding settings. If you’re interested in writing dark fantasy, here are some common tropes you can use to help create your own grim and gritty world.

The Antihero

The antihero is a protagonist who is flawed, morally ambiguous, and often operating outside of the law. They may have a tragic backstory, a dark secret, or a cynical worldview that sets them apart from traditional heroes. Antiheroes often struggle with their own inner demons, and their journey may involve a search for redemption or a descent into further darkness.

The Bleak Setting

Dark fantasy often takes place in a bleak and foreboding setting, such as a desolate wasteland, a haunted forest, or a decaying city. The environment is likely hostile and dangerous, and may be populated by monsters, demons, or other supernatural entities. The setting can serve as a metaphor for the characters’ inner turmoil and can help to create dread and unease in the reader.

The Moral Ambiguity

Not afraid to explore moral ambiguity, dark fantasy features characters that have to make difficult choices that test their own sense of morality, and the lines between good and evil may be blurred. This creates moral ambiguity, which adds depth and complexity to the story.

​​The Grotesque

Dark fantasy often explores the darker side of humanity, and this can include the grotesque and macabre. The genre is not afraid to explore themes of death, decay, and corruption, and the characters may encounter horrifying creatures or gruesome scenarios. The grotesque can serve as a way to delve into the darker aspects of the human psyche, which adds horror and dread to the story.

The Foreboding Atmosphere

Often relying on foreboding and unease to create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, dark fantasy has characters who are constantly on edge, and the environment is filled with ominous signs and portents. This can create tension and anticipation to keep the reader engaged and invested in the story.

The Supernatural

Dark fantasy often features supernatural elements, such as magic, ghosts, and otherworldly creatures. These supernatural elements can add mystery and intrigue to the story and can help to create wonder and awe. However, these supernatural elements can also be a source of danger and peril and again serve as a way to explore the darker aspects of human nature.

Politics and Society

Politics and society are often portrayed as corrupt and oppressive in dark fantasy. This creates a backdrop of power struggles, betrayals, and intrigue that serves as a catalyst for the story’s conflicts. The ruling class or government may maintain power through force and fear, to keep the populace downtrodden. These elements provide realism and depth for the story’s world-building and an interesting contrast to the supernatural or fantastical elements of the story. Politics and society in dark fantasy serve to ground the story in a gritty and believable reality and add complexity and nuance to the narrative.

Religions and Deities

Sinister religions and deities are often featured in dark fantasy, with malevolent gods or cults that demand blood sacrifices or other horrific rituals from their followers. Also, gods may be cruel and capricious beings that seek to control or destroy humanity. These elements add terror and foreboding and create a contrast to more traditional depictions of religion and divinity. Religion and deities in dark fantasy can also serve as a metaphor for the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of fanaticism. 

Hope

Hope is a crucial element in dark fantasy because it motivates characters to fight against evil and provides a sense of purpose. Without hope, characters may succumb to despair and the story may be unsatisfying. Hope creates suspense and tension, as readers wonder if the characters will succeed or fail. It also serves as a beacon of light in the darkness, giving readers a sense of satisfaction when the characters triumph. Hope adds depth to dark fantasy stories and balances out the foreboding atmosphere with optimism.

Stylistic Choices

In addition to these common tropes, there are also a number of stylistic choices that you can make to help create the appropriate atmosphere and tone in your dark fantasy story. Some of these choices might include:

• Use of first-person narration to create immediacy and intimacy.
• Use of a limited omniscient point of view to create uncertainty and suspense.
• Use of descriptive language to create a vivid and immersive setting.
• Use of metaphor and symbolism to explore deeper themes and motifs.
• Use of foreshadowing to create tension and anticipation.
• Use of nonlinear narrative structures to create mystery and intrigue.

Conclusion

Dark fantasy is not afraid to explore the darker side of human nature and offers a wide range of possibilities for storytelling. Whether you’re interested in exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche, delving into supernatural elements, or creating a sense of gritty realism, dark fantasy offers a unique space for writers to create complex and compelling stories.

By incorporating these common tropes, you can help create your own grim and gritty world and craft a story that explores the depths of depravity and human nature, which will resonate with readers. There is a wealth of inspiration and possibility to be found in the world of dark fantasy. So go forth and explore the shadows, and see what dark wonders you can uncover.

Don’t forget to join us as we explore dark fantasy themes in our April ILVN Book Club live discussion of The Umbra King by Jamie Applegate Hunter. We’re meeting at 1 p.m. CST on Saturday, April 29th on facebook.