I think the presence of other people's reactions also plays a role. When you embarrass yourself and you see the shocked or amused looks on people's faces, it makes the situation more embarrassing and thus more memorable. For instance, I was singing really loudly in my car at a stoplight, not realizing my window was down. The looks from the people in the other cars were so embarrassing and that's why I still remember it vividly.
Unexpectedness is a big factor. When something completely unforeseen and embarrassing occurs, it sticks in our minds. I remember once I accidentally called my teacher'mom' in front of the whole class. It was so unexpected that it became an instant embarrassing memory. Another aspect is the degree of awkwardness. If it involves an awkward situation like wearing mismatched clothes to an important event without realizing it, it can be really memorable.
The element of public exposure often makes long embarrassing stories memorable. For example, when something embarrassing happens in front of a large group of people, it's hard to forget. Like that time I tripped and fell on the stage during a school play. Everyone saw it and it became a story that people still talk about years later.
The unexpectedness. In most of these stories, something completely unplanned happens. Like when you trip in public out of nowhere. It catches everyone off guard and that's what makes it funny and embarrassing at the same time.
Obstacles. For example, in the story of Tristan and Isolde, the fact that she was supposed to marry Tristan's uncle created a huge obstacle. Overcoming or being unable to overcome these obstacles makes the story engaging.
The mystery in long scary campfire stories is appealing. It makes people wonder what will happen next, like in a story where a character enters an unknown cave and strange noises start. Also, the sense of danger. When the protagonist is being chased by an unseen force, it gets our hearts racing.
The use of spooky settings like old cemeteries, abandoned mansions, or dark forests. These places have an inherent sense of dread. Take a story set in an old cemetery where the tombstones seem to move at night. It adds to the scariness. Also, the presence of supernatural elements such as ghosts, witches, and vampires. They are classic Halloween figures that bring a sense of the otherworldly to the story. They can do things that defy the laws of nature, which is both fascinating and terrifying.
The element of the unknown. In long scary true stories, often there are things that can't be easily explained. For example, in the story of the Bell Witch, no one could figure out exactly what the entity was. It made the situation scarier because there was no logical solution. Another element is the real - life aspect. Since these stories are true, it makes it easier for the reader or listener to imagine themselves in that situation.
Surprise is a big one. For example, if someone is all dressed up for a fancy event and then steps in a big puddle out of nowhere. Also, misunderstandings can be really funny and embarrassing. Like when you think someone is waving at you but they're actually waving at someone behind you. And the reactions of the people involved, especially if they overreact in a comical way.
The chaos is a big factor. The sheer number of people in a small space, all desperate for a deal. It creates a sense of panic. Like when a store has limited stock and everyone is trying to grab it.
The element of the unknown. In long scary ghost stories, not knowing exactly what the ghost is or what it wants keeps readers on edge. For example, in 'The Woman in Black', the ghostly figure is shrouded in mystery, and that mystery makes the story captivating.
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.
Sound is an important element too. In a well - told ghost story, the description of spooky sounds like creaking floors, howling winds, or faint whispers can enhance the fear factor. These sounds create an atmosphere that makes the listener or reader feel as if they are actually in the haunted place. Additionally, the idea of the unknown and the inability to explain what is happening makes these stories so chilling. The human mind is naturally afraid of things it cannot understand, and ghost stories play on that fear.