Well, in a scary kid ghost story, the setting can be a big factor in making it terrifying. If it's set in a familiar yet spooky place like an old, empty house or a dark forest at night. Kids can easily picture themselves in such situations, and that's what scares them. Also, when there are sudden noises or strange events happening without explanation, it amps up the fear factor.
The unknown. When there are things that kids can't explain, like strange noises or shadowy figures. For example, in a story where a kid hears knocking on the window at night but when they look, there's nothing there. It plays on their imagination and fear of the unknown.
The sense of helplessness. In a good ghost scary story, the characters usually can't do much to fight against the ghost. Like in the story of the haunted mansion where the people who enter are haunted forever, no matter what they try. It gives a feeling that we are at the mercy of the supernatural, which is really terrifying. Also, the setting plays a big role. If it's a dark, isolated place like an abandoned asylum or a deep forest, it adds to the scariness because it's a place where help is far away.
The unknown factor makes really scary ghost stories terrifying. When we don't know what the ghost looks like, what it wants, or how it will interact with the living, it scares us. For example, in stories where people just feel a presence but can't see anything, that uncertainty creates fear.
Isolation can make a scary adventure story terrifying. Imagine being alone in a vast, dark forest with no one to help. Every little sound could be a threat. Like in a story where a person is lost in an ancient tomb all by themselves, surrounded by strange artifacts and possible traps.
The unknown elements make a scary mystery story truly terrifying. When the reader or listener doesn't know what is lurking in the shadows or what will happen next, it creates a sense of unease. For example, in a story where there are strange noises in an empty house, not knowing if it's a ghost, a murderer, or just the wind is what scares people.
The unknown elements. When there are things that the characters in the story and the readers don't fully understand, it creates a sense of fear. For example, in a story about a haunted house, if there are strange noises and movements but no clear explanation, it scares people.
The uncertainty. When you have only a flashlight to see in the dark, and there are strange noises or shapes, not knowing what's really there is what makes it scary. For example, in a spooky old building, the flashlight might reveal a door that wasn't there before, but it only shows a small part of it, leaving the rest to your imagination.
The fact that he was a real and violent outlaw. Knowing that he actually killed people makes his ghostly presence seem more menacing.
The atmosphere plays a huge role. If the story is set in a dark, isolated place like an old castle or a deserted forest, it adds to the scariness. Also, the way the ghost is described. If it has a menacing appearance or makes strange noises, it makes the story more terrifying. For instance, a ghost with glowing red eyes and a shrill scream would be very scary. Another factor is the characters' reactions. If they are really frightened, it makes the readers or listeners feel the fear too.
It's usually the element of surprise and the unknown. When you don't know what's coming next and there's a sense of lurking danger, that's what makes it scary.