The element of psychological horror is often present. It's not just about the physical threat of the demon. It's also about how the characters' minds are affected. For instance, in some stories, the characters start to doubt their own sanity as the demonic presence messes with their perception of reality. This internal struggle combined with the external threat of the demon makes for a truly terrifying long - form story.
A sense of the unknown is very common. Long demonic scary stories usually take place in dark, isolated settings like old castles or abandoned asylums. The reader doesn't know what lurks in the shadows, which adds to the fear. They also tend to build tension slowly. The author might start with small, strange occurrences that gradually escalate into full - blown demonic chaos.
One characteristic is the slow build - up of suspense. In a long story, there's more time to gradually increase the feeling of unease. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the author slowly reveals the strange happenings in the house, making the readers' anticipation and fear grow over time.
Complex characters are also common. In long scary stories, the characters usually have their own flaws and backstories that make them more vulnerable or relatable. For example, in 'Rosemary's Baby', Rosemary's naivete and her desire for a child play into the horror that unfolds around her.
One long demonic scary story is 'The Exorcist'. It tells about a young girl who becomes possessed by a demon. The demonic activities she exhibits are truly terrifying, from speaking in strange tongues to having inhuman strength. The priests who attempt to exorcise the demon face great challenges as the demon seems to be extremely powerful and malevolent.
A key characteristic is the use of atmosphere. Long ghost stories can really develop a thick, spooky atmosphere. Through descriptions of the weather, like a constant fog or a howling wind, and the sounds in the environment, such as creaking floorboards or distant moans. In 'Dracula', the Transylvanian setting with its dark castles and wild landscapes sets a very ominous mood. Also, long stories can have multiple plot twists. Just when the reader thinks they understand the nature of the ghost or the mystery, something new and unexpected is revealed, like in 'Ghost Story' by Peter Straub, which keeps the readers on the edge of their seats throughout the long narrative.
Long scary horror stories often have a slow - building atmosphere. They start by introducing characters and a setting that seems normal at first, but then gradually introduce elements of the unknown and the terrifying. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old mansion is initially presented as just an old building, but as the story progresses, the strange noises and apparitions start to appear.
They often have an interesting setting. For example, a spooky old house or a dark forest. This creates an immediate sense of unease.
Well, it depends on your perspective. Some might consider it having elements of the demonic due to the creepy and mysterious nature of the stories. But others might just see it as typical horror entertainment without true demonic overtones.
They often have complex plots. Since they are long, there is more room to develop intricate storylines, like in 'Dracula' where Bram Stoker weaves multiple character arcs and different locations together to create a sense of all - encompassing horror. Another characteristic is the slow - burn build - up of tension. In really long scary novels, the author can take time to gradually increase the sense of dread. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson, the strange happenings around the house are slowly revealed, making the reader more and more afraid as the story progresses.
Curses and possessions are also frequent elements. A person or an object can be possessed by a demon, leading to abnormal behavior. This can range from speaking in strange tongues to having superhuman strength. And often, there's a sense of impending doom throughout the story, as if there's no escape from the demonic influence.
One really scary demonic story is about the haunted house on Elm Street. People say that at midnight, you can see shadowy figures moving in the windows. The walls seem to ooze a strange black substance, and there are always cold spots in the rooms. Screams have been heard coming from the attic, and those who dare to enter often report a feeling of being watched by an unseen, malevolent presence.