Hooking and Horror: Why Good Characters Make Great Scares

Welcome to Hooking and Horror, my new series where I combine two of my favorite things: cozy crochet and creepy stories. This week, I’m curled up in my rocking chair working on the Fireside Throw—a warm, textured blanket that’s as comforting as a good ghost story by the fire. (Psst: the free pattern will be posted later this week!)

As I stitch, I’ve been thinking about what actually scares me in a horror movie. Not ghosts. Not jump scares. It’s what happens to the characters.

I’ve watched hundreds of horror films over the years, and I’ve built up a kind of immunity to typical scares. I’m not really afraid of ghosts or gore. But when something happens to a character I care about? That’s when I start getting chills.

That’s why a movie like Final Destination: Bloodlines worked so well for me. The characters felt real. They were interesting, likable, and had depth—so when they were in danger, I was genuinely invested. Compare that to horror movies that lean too hard on tropes—the dumb jock, the shy smart girl, the comic relief stoner—and you’ll see what I mean. Sometimes those stereotypes work, like in Cabin in the Woods, where they were used intentionally. But more often than not, they just feel lazy.

Give me characters I want to root for, and I’ll follow your horror story anywhere.

Watch the Full Video

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Want the Pattern?

The Fireside Throw crochet pattern will be live later this week! It’s beginner-friendly, cozy, and perfect for fall—or anytime you need a warm hug in yarn form.

Until next time—stay cozy, and stay creepy.

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Michelle, The Unique Sheep