1.) Many horror nd suspense stories such as "The Lottery" use stereotypical ______ instead of complex individuals because readers readily relate to them
a.) Archetypes
b.) Foils
c.) Stock characters
d.) Unreliable narrators
A and C mean basically the same thing. Which one would you choose?
I would choose option c) Stock characters.
To arrive at this answer, we can analyze the characteristics and purpose of the characters in horror and suspense stories. These stories often rely on creating a sense of familiarity and shared experience with the readers, as they aim to generate emotional responses such as fear or suspense. One way to achieve this is through the use of stock characters.
Stock characters are recognizable, conventional character types that are often based on stereotypes or archetypes. They possess predictable qualities and behaviors that readers readily understand and relate to. By utilizing stock characters, authors can establish a quick connection with the readers, as they tap into commonly held beliefs and expectations.
On the other hand, option a) Archetypes can also be seen as a valid choice, as archetypes are recurring themes, symbols, or character types found across different cultures and narratives. Stock characters can be considered a specific type of archetype, representing a standardized version of a particular character type.
It's important to note that while option b) Foils and option d) Unreliable narrators are both valid literary elements in storytelling, they don't directly address the use of stereotypical characters in horror and suspense stories. Foils are characters who contrast with the protagonist to highlight their traits, while unreliable narrators are narrators whose credibility or truthfulness is unreliable.