A hero is trapped in some location or situation (aka the “house”) and must survive a monster (human or otherwise). There must be a sin committed—often greed—prompting the creation of a supernatural being that comes like an avenging angel to kill the sinners. Monster in the House stories are commonly found in horror movies, urban thrillers, or comedies about people or things that just won’t go away.
The 3 elements of a MONSTER IN THE HOUSE story are:
1) A monster that is supernatural in its powers—even if its strength derives from insanity—and “evil” at its core. 2) A house, meaning an enclosed space that can include a family unit, an entire town, or even “the world.” 3) A sin. Someone is guilty of bringing the monster in the house… a transgression that can include ignorance.
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BJ Markel first worked with Blake Snyder in 1986. He edited Blake's three Save the Cat! books and co-founded Blake Snyder Enterprises, LLC with Blake in 2005. In his other life, BJ worked in video acquisitions and entertainment marketing, including 20 years at the Walt Disney Company.
