The element of the supernatural always adds to the scariness. Ghosts, demons, or unexplained phenomena. For instance, in a story where a character sees a spirit that no one else can see, it sends shivers down the reader's spine. In a scary short story, it can be the core of the horror.
Strange noises associated with the face. Like a low, guttural growl or a high - pitched screech. It makes the presence of the face more menacing. For instance, if the face is accompanied by a sound like fingernails scratching on a chalkboard every time it appears, it would be really terrifying. Also, having the face move in an unnatural way, such as floating or contorting in impossible angles can send shivers down one's spine.
Well, the unpredictability of the flashing lights can be really terrifying. For example, if they flash at irregular intervals, it keeps the reader or listener on edge. And if the flashing lights are associated with something that defies the natural order, like a floating object that is only visible during the flashes. Additionally, the use of color in the flashing lights can make it scarier. Red flashing lights, for instance, can give a sense of danger or blood, which is quite frightening in a horror context.
One key element is the slowness and irregularity of the knocking. If it's a slow, hesitant knock, it gives the impression of something sinister. The lack of a rational explanation also adds to the horror. For instance, if there are no footprints outside the door after the knocking, or if the knocking seems to be coming from different heights as if something not human is doing it. Also, the reactions of the characters inside, like their growing fear and paranoia, can heighten the overall scariness.
The setting also plays a crucial role. A dark, isolated place like an old abandoned house or a lonely forest path can immediately create a sense of dread. It's the kind of place where you feel cut off from the world and help is far away. For instance, in stories set in old asylums, the long, echoing hallways add to the spookiness.
The unknown. In true scary short stories, often things are not fully explained. For example, in the story of the couple in the old house, we don't know what was in the attic with the glowing eyes. It leaves our imagination to run wild and that's scary.
The suddenness also plays a role. Like the hiker who was suddenly faced with a shadowy figure after just tripping. There's no time to prepare, and that quick shift from normal to deadly is scary. Another element could be the isolation. The girl in the abandoned house was all alone, cut off from help, which makes her situation more terrifying as there's no one to save her when she's in danger.
The use of atmosphere is crucial. A dark, isolated setting like an abandoned asylum or a fog - covered forest can immediately create a sense of dread. In short stories, the writer can quickly set this mood, for instance, by describing how the moonlight barely penetrates the thick trees in a forest where a character is lost. Also, the idea of being alone and helpless in the face of a possible threat is terrifying. If a character is trapped in a haunted house with no way out, it amps up the fear factor.
The atmosphere is crucial. In short scary ghost stories, details about a dark and gloomy setting, like a haunted mansion with creaking floors and dimly lit corridors, build up the fear. Also, the idea of something that defies the natural order, like a ghost that can pass through walls or appear out of thin air. This supernatural element, along with a feeling of being watched, makes the stories so terrifying. For instance, a story where a person feels eyes on them in an old attic, but when they turn around, there's nothing there at first, and then a ghostly face slowly materializes.
The element of the unknown is a big factor. In true short scary stories, like the ones about strange noises in a house, not knowing what's making the noise creates fear. It could be anything, and our minds tend to imagine the worst.
One key element is the atmosphere. A dark and quiet place with a sense of isolation, like an abandoned asylum. This makes the reader or listener feel vulnerable. The element of surprise is also crucial. For instance, when a character thinks they are safe and then suddenly the ghost appears. And the backstory of the ghost, if it has a tragic or malevolent past, adds to the scariness.