Dian-Tara: A Final Project of Gothic and Tragedy Novelette

Abstract

This paper explains the process of creating a novelette entitled Dian-Tara. The novelette was written in one linear plot with external narration using narrative theory or narratology. Tragedy and gothic fiction were chosen as the genres since they could create a sense of eeriness in the audience. The issues and phenomena raised in the novelette were the impact of a broken family on children and also what society can do to help the victims. This undergraduate final work adapted Aristotle’s Poetics by having the three-act structure and catharsis for the resolution. The theory of narrative by Tzvetan Todorov was applied for the plot development. Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory was also used for the characters’ design in terms of creating their past and how it influenced their decision-making in the story. For the character types, this novelette used a protagonist and an antagonist. The characters’ design was separated into three aspects of life (professional, personal, and private). The result of the final work showed that the past life of each protagonist and antagonist character contributed to their decision-making and helped to drive the plot forward as a tragedy was chosen to end the story. Their bad childhood memories and the tragic ending were meant to raise the awareness of the readers, as the impact of this phenomenon cannot be denied.