Even though there is no excerpt present to make a proper analysis, this question is so easy to answer from understanding the basic principles and components of Gothic Literature.
In a general sense, Gothic Literature could be defined as writing that employs dark and picturesque scenery, startling and melodramatic narrative devices, and an overall atmosphere of exoticism, mystery, fear, and dread.
So, for all the information presented, The characteristic of Gothic literature is that:
It relies on mystery and suspense.
Foreshadowing is the answer to this
Most of the time, you'll want affect as a verb meaning to influence something and effect for the something that was influenced. The difference between affect and effect is so slippery that people have started using "impact" as a verb instead. Don't be one of them!
