Elements of Absence and Presence

Release

Either redemption or disaster offers us a sense of completion; this motif allows us to heave a sigh and let the story go.

Unknown

The first, most primal fear because it contains all the others. With this motif, anything could happen; anything could emerge from the darkness.

Unconscious

The inner worlds mystify us because we can neither control nor escape their effects. Thus, we fear the motif that describes what may be lurking inside ourselves or that others may give in to their inner vile desires.

Helplessness

This motif deals with how nothing feels worse than the inability to affect your fate; in horror, much of the attraction comes from a complete lack of power.

Unexpected

This motif deals with our assumptions of how reality will function and how the difference surprises us; we feel shock and distress.

Urgency

This motif describes a situation when you can't remain passive and must do something; there's a "ticking clock" and the price of failure is astronomical.

Pressure

Through suspense with the slow build of tension comes the increasing need to do something; this motif combines with urgency to spur characters to greater feats.

Unstoppable

We know that humans and other animals wear out eventually. Therefore the motif dealing with the advance and endless pursuit from an outside force that keeps coming upset our expectations.

Unseen

When something new and strange arrives on scene, we can't take our eyes off it. Our own curiosity holds us hostage to this motif.

Rhythm

When the elements create a natural rise and fall of tension. This motif is essential to horror in that it allows the intensity to build to a higher peak than would a straight assault.

Intensity

With danger comes a heightened awareness, enhancing all emotions both positive and negative, drawing attention to every detail. The senses pick up far more than usual when this motif is present.

Unbelievable

With this motif, we disregard that which does not fit into our pre-existing definition of reality ... a dangerous habit. We also fear falling into a situation that places us beyond natural occurrences.