When I think about monsters no doubt there’s an element of fear in my mind and gut. My imagination tends to amplify the image, person or thing. A little investigating on the subject reveals some of the, “monstrous possibilities,” haha! Here is the Miriam Webster definition of, “monster.”

monster

nounmon·​ster | \ ˈmän(t)-stər  \

Definition of monster

 (Entry 1 of 2)1a: an animal or plant of abnormal form or structurea mythical monstera sea monsterb: one who deviates from normal or acceptable behavior or characteran immoral monster2: a threatening forcethe same monster — Destiny … that rolls every civilization to doom— W. L. Sullivan3a: an animal of strange or terrifying shapevisualize this scaleless monster, eight or nine feet long, sprawling in the shade by the side of the mud pools— W. E. Swintonb: one unusually large for its kindThat truck is a monster.4: something monstrousespecially: a person of unnatural or extreme ugliness, deformity, wickedness, or crueltyHis father was a monster who beat his children for no reason.5: one that is highly successfulThat movie was a monster at the box office.

Getting a full definition of a word that is the center piece of your plot is helpful as a storyteller. It adds depth, it expands the sphere, tone, texture, intelligence which all adds to intrigue of the story. “Intrigue,” is essential to good storytelling

intrigue

nounin·​trigue | \ ˈin-ˌtrēg  , in-ˈtrēg\

Definition of intrigue

intransitive verb: to carry on an intrigue (see INTRIGUE entry 1)especially: PLOT, SCHEMEOther Words

 (Entry 1 of 2)1a: the practice of engaging in secret schemesb: a secret scheme : MACHINATION2: a clandestine love affair

intrigueverbin·​trigue | \ in-ˈtrēg  \intrigued; intriguing

Definition of intrigue (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb1: to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity ofintrigued by the tale2: CHEAT, TRICK3: to get, make, or accomplish by secret schemingintrigued myself into the club4obsolete: ENTANGLE

As a writer I find word studies helpful. They increase my understanding which expands my imagination, equips me to tell a much richer story for my audience as we together peel back the onion, set up, set up, reveal, hence, intrigue. Now what? Tell me more. No….Yes! What? No way? Way!