Mystery is a key element. For example, in stories where there's an unknown presence like in 'The Haunted Doll' story. You don't know exactly what the doll is or why it's acting strangely. This keeps the listener on edge. Another element is the use of the unknown environment. In the story of the abandoned house, the kids are in a place they don't fully understand. It adds to the scariness. Sound effects, even just described ones like creaking floors or strange giggles, also create an effective slightly scary bedtime story.
The atmosphere plays a big role. A gloomy or dark setting, like the deep woods in 'The Watcher in the Woods' can make a story scarier. Unnatural or unexplained events are also important. When things happen that go against the normal rules, like the doll moving on its own or the figure that always seems to be there no matter which way the hiker runs. And the element of the unknown, not knowing what will happen next or what the source of the fear really is, that makes these bedtime stories effective.
One element is the sense of the unknown. In long scary stories, often there are things that the characters and the readers don't understand. For example, in 'The Call of Cthulhu', the nature of Cthulhu is so alien that it creates a deep sense of unease. Another is the use of atmosphere. Dark settings like in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' with its spooky woods and misty landscapes add to the fear. Also, psychological elements play a big role. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the slow descent into madness of the main character makes the reader feel on edge.
The element of the unknown. In quick scary bedtime stories, not knowing what's going to happen next is a big factor. For example, in a story where a character hears strange noises in an old house but doesn't know the source. It creates suspense.
The element of the unknown. For example, in a short story where you just hear a strange noise but don't know what's causing it. It plays on our fear of the unseen.
Unexpected twists. For example, in a story where a person thinks they are safe in their locked room, but then something comes through the walls. Also, a sense of the unknown. Like a strange noise that the character can't identify.
One important element is the setting. A spooky place like an old, creaky house or a dark forest can immediately create a sense of unease. For example, in the story of the little girl and the glowing eyes at her window, the fact that her house was on the edge of a dark forest added to the scariness. Another element is the unknown. When the reader or listener doesn't know exactly what the threat is, it's much scarier. In the story of the traveler and the shadowy figure in the inn, we don't really know what the figure is or what it wants, which makes it more frightening.
Suspense is a key element. For example, in a story where a character is alone in a dark house and hears a creaking noise, not knowing what's causing it right away builds suspense. Another element is the unknown. When the source of fear isn't clearly defined, like a shadowy figure that the protagonist can't quite make out, it's scarier. Also, a sense of isolation, such as a person being stranded in a remote place, makes the reader feel more vulnerable and thus makes the story scarier.
One element is the use of common horror tropes. For example, things like haunted houses, ghosts, and monsters. These are cheesy but effective because people are already conditioned to be scared of them. They create an instant sense of fear.
One element is the element of surprise. For example, in a quick story, when a character thinks they are safe and then suddenly something unexpected happens like a monster popping out. Another is the use of the unknown. If the setting is a dark, mysterious place like an old cellar where no one really knows what's in there, it creates fear.
Effective short scary bedtime stories often have a creepy atmosphere. This can be created through descriptions of the setting, such as a dark, spooky attic or a lonely cabin in the woods. Sounds also play a big role. The howling of a wolf or strange whisperings can immediately set a scary mood. And having a menacing presence, whether it's a shadowy figure or an old doll with an eerie look, is important for making the story effective.
The atmosphere plays a crucial role. A really scary story will often have a dark, gloomy atmosphere. This can be created through descriptions of the environment, like a thick fog covering a graveyard. Fear of the dark is also a common element. Many scary stories use the dark as a hiding place for the unknown terrors. And the idea of losing control is scary. When the characters in a story lose control of their situation, like being trapped in a haunted place, it makes the story more effective.