They usually have a simple yet effective setup. A lot of them start with an ordinary situation, such as moving into a new home or going on a trip. Then, something abnormal starts to occur, like in the story of a traveler who stayed in a hotel and found a hidden room with disturbing things inside. This sudden shift from normal to abnormal is a key characteristic.
Well, they often have a sense of authenticity. Since they're based on true events, they can make the horror feel more real and immediate. For example, the locations might be real places that the audience can look up. Also, the events in these films usually follow some sort of real - life logic, at least at the start, before the horror fully takes over.
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.
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.
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.
One characteristic is their ability to create a strong sense of atmosphere in a short space. They use vivid descriptions of spooky settings, such as the decaying mansion in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'. Also, they often end with a twist or a shock, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of dread. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the unexpected outcomes of the wishes are a prime example.
One characteristic is the sense of the unknown. They often feature entities or forces that are beyond human understanding. For example, in Lovecraft's works, the cosmic entities are so alien that just looking at them or learning about them can drive a person insane. Another is the use of isolation. Characters are usually in remote or desolate places, like in the middle of a dark forest or on a lonely planet. This isolation heightens the sense of dread.
They are often full of suspense. Since they are short, every scene and description has to count towards building the horror. For example, the description of the vampire's lair might be brief but very eerie.
One characteristic is the use of superstition. For example, many stories involve ghosts, spirits, and traditional Chinese beliefs about the afterlife. This adds an air of mystery.