The allure of the forbidden. Vampires are creatures that go against the natural order. They are undead and survive by taking the life essence of others. In really scary vampire stories, this idea of the forbidden is explored. It makes us, as readers, feel a sense of danger and excitement at the same time. For instance, in 'Let the Right One In', the relationship between the human boy and the vampire girl is full of this sense of the forbidden, which makes the story so engaging.
The mystery. Vampires are often shrouded in mystery. In really scary vampire stories, we don't fully understand their powers or their origins all the time. This unknown factor is very appealing as it makes us keep reading to find out more. For example, in 'Dracula', we are constantly trying to figure out Dracula's true nature.
Scary vampire stories are appealing because they play on our primal fears. The idea of a creature that needs to feed on our blood is terrifying. At the same time, vampires are often portrayed as having a certain charm or allure, like in 'Twilight' (which has some scary elements too). They straddle the line between the beautiful and the terrifying, which is really interesting. They also often exist outside of normal human society, which adds to their intrigue.
The thrill. We like to be scared in a safe way. Scary stories give us that adrenaline rush.
The mystery. Vampires are often associated with the unknown. In short stories, there's not much time to fully explain everything about them, so the mystery remains. For example, in 'Carmilla', we don't know all the details of Carmilla's past and how she became a vampire, which makes it scarier.
The sense of the unknown and the feeling of dread they create. In 'Ben Drowned', the way the game world starts to blend with the real world in a very abnormal and spooky way gives you a sense of unease. You don't know what will happen next or how far the horror will spread, and that's what makes these stories so appealing to those who like a good scare.
They allow us to experience fear in a safe way. When we read or hear a creepy story, we can feel the adrenaline rush without actually being in danger. Also, these stories often play on our primal fears such as the fear of the dark, the fear of being alone, and the fear of the supernatural. For example, a story about a haunted house at night exploits our fear of the dark and the unknown entities that might lurk there.
The sense of thrill. People like to be scared in a safe environment, and scary stories provide that. It's like a rollercoaster ride for the mind.
One reason is the exploration of the forbidden. Vampires usually break human taboos, like drinking blood. In 'Dracula', the count's actions are both repulsive and captivating. Also, the idea of eternal life in vampire stories can be very appealing. It makes us wonder what we would do if we had endless time, as seen in 'The Vampire Chronicles' where the vampires have to deal with the boredom and moral implications of immortality.
The mystery. Vampires are often depicted as mysterious creatures. Their origin, their powers, and their long - lived existence all contribute to this sense of mystery. For example, in 'Dracula', the Count's motives and his past are gradually revealed, keeping the readers hooked. Another factor is the allure of the forbidden. In stories like 'Twilight', the relationship between a human and a vampire is considered taboo, which adds an exciting element. Also, vampire fiction allows for exploration of themes like immortality, good vs. evil, and the nature of humanity.
Scary paranormal stories often touch on deep - seated human fears such as death, the afterlife, and the existence of the supernatural. They allow us to explore these fears in a fictional context. We might wonder what happens after we die, and these stories offer various interpretations. Additionally, the idea of the otherworldly interacting with our world is both exciting and terrifying.
The suspense. In thrilling scary stories, there's always that sense of not knowing what's going to happen next. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', you're constantly waiting to see how the next wish will go horribly wrong.