They are often full of suspense. Since they are short, every scene and description has to count towards building the horror. For example, the description of the vampire's lair might be brief but very eerie.
They often have a sense of mystery. For example, in 'Dracula's Guest', the strange events and the unknown entity create an air of mystery. Also, a good vampire short story usually has a strong atmosphere. 'Carmilla' is set in a gloomy, isolated castle which adds to the spooky feeling. Another characteristic is the exploration of the human - vampire relationship, like in 'The Vampyre' where the relationship between the vampire and his victims is complex.
Another aspect is the immortality factor. Since vampires are immortal, their relationships and sexual encounters can be seen as something that spans centuries. This gives a different perspective on love and lust compared to human - centric stories. In these short stories, the vampires might have had multiple lovers over the years, and this can create complex relationship dynamics.
They are concise. Usually, they quickly establish a spooky or menacing situation. For example, in a short horror story, the horror might start within the first few sentences, like a strange noise in an empty house right at the start.
Typically, they are likely to have elements of the unknown. The fear of the unknown is a common characteristic in horror. For example, an unexplained sound or a shadow that moves on its own.
Often, they create a sense of unease and fear quickly. For example, they might start with a strange or disturbing setting like a haunted house or a desolate graveyard.
They are often filled with suspense. The authors build up tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Many 1948 horror short stories often had a sense of mystery. They were set in rather ordinary settings which made the horror more relatable. For instance, like 'The Lottery', it was set in a small town that seemed normal at first glance.
One common theme is the struggle between good and evil. In many vampire horror short stories, there is a protagonist who tries to fight against the vampire, representing good, while the vampire is the symbol of evil.
Another characteristic is the theme of blood - sucking. It's a key part of what makes a vampire a vampire. In short vampire stories, the act of the vampire seeking blood often drives the plot, whether it's from a single victim or a whole town. And there's often a sense of danger and fear associated with this blood - sucking.
One characteristic is their ability to create a strong sense of atmosphere in a short space. They use vivid descriptions of spooky settings, such as the decaying mansion in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'. Also, they often end with a twist or a shock, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of dread. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the unexpected outcomes of the wishes are a prime example.