Characteristics include a build - up of tension. They start by setting a mood, perhaps with a strange noise or an unusual sight. There is often a sense of helplessness in the characters, as if they are at the mercy of some malevolent force. The use of symbolism is also common. For example, a storm might symbolize impending doom. Dark horror short stories may also contain elements of the supernatural, like ghosts or demons, or they can be more psychological, focusing on the dark corners of the human mind.
Dark horror short stories often have a sense of the unknown. They create an atmosphere of dread. For example, they might use settings like old, abandoned houses or desolate landscapes. The characters usually face some sort of inescapable fate or terrifying entity.
These stories typically have elements that are disturbing on a psychological level. They can make you question your own sanity, like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart'. The characters might face inner demons or external forces that are beyond their control. There is also often a feeling of isolation, whether the character is alone in a big, spooky house or just feels alone in their struggle against the horror. The settings are usually dark, dank places such as old castles, abandoned asylums, or shadowy forests, which add to the overall sense of dread.
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.
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.
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.
Another characteristic is the exploration of the darker side of human nature. These stories might show characters struggling with their inner demons, such as jealousy, greed or madness. In many of these stories, there is a sense of the inevitable, that no matter what the characters do, doom is waiting for them at the end.
Dark humor short stories often feature unexpected or absurd situations. For example, characters might find themselves in a completely illogical yet real - ish situation, like in 'The Metamorphosis' where a man turns into an insect.
Dark humor short stories also tend to play with taboos. They might touch on topics like death, violence, or social norms in a way that is not typical. By breaking these boundaries in a humorous context, they create a unique and often thought - provoking reading experience. This can make the reader both uncomfortable and amused at the same time.
Dark fiction short stories frequently involve elements of the unknown and the uncanny. This could be in the form of strange creatures, unexplained phenomena, or secrets that are gradually uncovered. They also may have a sense of moral ambiguity, where it's not always clear who the 'good' or 'bad' characters are. The pacing can be slow and deliberate to build up tension, or it can be rapid and chaotic, mirroring the chaos within the story itself.