The element of the unknown. It could be an unexplained phenomenon or a mysterious entity. Take a story about a cursed object. We don't know exactly how the curse works or why it was placed, and that makes us keep reading to find out. Also, the vivid descriptions in these stories play a big role. When a horror story can clearly describe a spooky setting like a decaying mansion with cobwebs and creaking floors, it draws the reader in.
Well, it's the fear factor. These stories tap into our primal fears. Whether it's the fear of the dark, the unknown, or something more psychological like the fear of losing one's mind. They create scenarios that make us feel that fear deeply.
The shock factor. These stories often involve extreme and abnormal behavior. Take Jeffrey Dahmer for instance. His acts of necrophilia and cannibalism are so far from what is considered normal human behavior that it shocks us. It makes us wonder how someone could become so deranged, and that draws us in. Also, the real - life aspect of it. It's not a fictional horror story. These are things that actually happened to real people, which makes it even more terrifying.
The fact that they are true. Knowing that these events actually happened gives them an edge over fictional horror. It makes us wonder what could have really been going on in those situations.
The atmosphere plays a huge role. Take 'The Woman in Black'. The desolate, fog - covered moors and the old, creepy house create a perfect backdrop for horror. The mystery of the woman in black and what she represents adds to the allure. Also, the psychological aspect is important. In 'Black Swan', the main character's descent into madness as she tries to achieve perfection in her role is both a mystery and a horror.
Horror stories can be captivating because they offer a break from our normal, mundane lives. They take us to a world full of mystery and dread. The characters in these stories often face extreme situations that we would never encounter in real life. This contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary makes horror stories so appealing. We get to explore the darker side of human nature and the limits of our own courage through these tales.
The sense of the unknown. In urban horror stories, there are often things lurking in the shadows of the familiar city streets. We think we know our cities, but these stories show there could be something terrifying just around the corner.
The element of the unknown makes them captivating. In real horror stories, we are faced with things that defy our normal understanding of the world. It gives us a thrill because it makes us wonder what could be out there that we don't know about.
The mystery aspect. In Sherlock Holmes horror stories, there are always complex puzzles to solve. For example, in 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', Holmes has to figure out the truth behind the hound's appearance. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Horror dystopian novels are captivating because they expose the worst - case scenarios of society. They make us think about how fragile our current world is. Take 'Fahrenheit 451' for instance. The idea of a world without books is horrifying. The tension and conflict in these novels, like in 'Annihilation' where the characters are constantly in danger, are also very engaging. And the exploration of power and control in dystopian settings, as seen in 'The Maze Runner', keeps readers hooked.
The mystery in horror stories is a big draw. When there are unanswered questions and a sense of the unknown, it keeps readers or viewers on the edge of their seats. For example, in a horror story about a cursed object, not knowing exactly how the curse works or who will be affected next creates a lot of suspense.