Skip Nav
Love It. Save Your Favorites Now.
10 Literary Horror Characters For You to Be This Halloween
View On One Page
Photo 2 of 10  
ADVERTISEMENT ()
2

Norman Bates From Psycho

  • How to dress, according to the book: Robert Bloch wrote, "Lila turned to stare at the fat, shapeless figure, half-concealed by the tight dress which had been pulled down incongruously to cover the garments beneath. She stared up at the shrouding shawl, and at the white, painted, simpering face beneath it. She stared at the garishly reddened lips, watched them part in a convulsive grimace. 'I am Norma Bates,' said the high, shrill voice. And then there was the hand coming out, the hand that held the knife, and the feet were mincing down the stairs."
  • How to act: Bear in mind that the killer in Psycho is Norman Bates dressed up as his mother, Norma Bates. You're a violent, schizophrenic, cold-blooded killer. That should be enough for you.
Previous Next
Angourie Rice on Writing, Acting, and Friendships
Books
Angourie Rice on How Connection Fuels Her Creativity
by Lena Felton 5/15
Bookfishing: Why People Lie About Their Love For Reading
Books
Warning: "Bookfishing" May Be Plaguing Your Dating Apps
by Taylor Andrews 11/12/25
The Voice Behind Audio Erotica: Rina From Quinn Interview
Books
Meet the Voice Behind Your Favorite Erotic Audio Stories
by Taylor Andrews 11/03/25
Recreate This Bridgerton-Inspired Makeup Look for Halloween
Halloween
This "Bridgerton"-Inspired Makeup Moment Is All You Need This Halloween
by Olivia Tauber 10/21/25
Twitches 20-Year Anniversary Proves Black Girl Magic Is Real
Halloween
Thank You, "Twitches," For Showing Us '90s Black Girls That We Are Magical
by Alexis Jones 10/14/25
West Elm's 2025 Halloween Decor Is Spookier Than Ever
Halloween
West Elm's Halloween Decor Just Launched, and It's So Good It’s Scary
by Haley Lyndes 7/16/25

From Our Partners

Now You Know

Love Is Blind: Where Do Those Engagement Rings Come From?

Fashion

Everything to Know About the "Love Is Blind" Engagement Rings

by Sarah Wasilak 2/19

shopping

Oprah's Favorite Things List Has Major Gems, Including an Under-$100 Air Fryer

by Balim Tezel 11/06/25

Fitness

Paralympians Earn the Same Pay For Medals as Olympians, but Is It Enough?

by Karenna Meredith 8/29/24

health

How Often Should We Be Getting COVID Vaccines?

by Alexis Jones 8/23/24

Food

Pumpkin Spice Season Is Back Aug. 22

by Lauren Mazzo 8/21/24

Beauty

The Exact Red Lipstick Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Swears By

by Alaina Demopoulos 8/20/24

health

What to Know About the Latest Mpox Outbreak, According to MDs

by Alexis Jones 8/16/24

health

Céline Dion Promised Her Children She’d Live: “They Already Lost a Parent.”

by Sara Youngblood Gregory 6/11/24

Latest Entertainment
We're Hiring! Write For Us Advertise With Us Accessibility Contact Archives
Power Your Happy
Terms Privacy Policy
©2026 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.