Their lack of remorse. Villains like Hannibal Lecter don't feel guilty about their actions. They can do the most atrocious things and not bat an eye. It's this cold - blooded nature that scares us.
A lot of the time, it's their power. Take Sauron from 'The Lord of the Rings'. He has an almost limitless amount of dark power. He can control armies of orcs and other dark creatures. His very existence threatens the whole of Middle - earth. And his all - seeing eye gives a sense of omnipresence that is really terrifying.
The element of psychological terror plays a huge role. Take 'Psycho' as a movie which has a story that can be considered in this category. The slow - building sense of unease, the way Norman Bates seems normal on the surface but has a deeply disturbed psyche, makes it so scary. It makes you question the sanity of those around you and your own safety. It's not just about jump scares but about a deep - seated fear that something is very wrong in a seemingly ordinary situation.
The element of surprise plays a big role. In a lot of the top 100 most scary stories, there are sudden twists. Like in a story where a character thinks they are safe, but then something unexpected and terrifying happens. Also, the fear of death and the supernatural is often a key factor. Whether it's vampires that represent a perversion of life or ghosts that seem to be from beyond the grave, they all tap into our primal fears.
The ability to create a sense of dread in a short space. Scary short stories often use vivid descriptions and quick pacing. For instance, in 'The Call of Cthulhu', Lovecraft uses a few well - chosen words to describe the otherworldly and terrifying Cthulhu, making the reader feel a deep sense of horror in just a short read.
The element of the unknown. In the most scary true stories, like the Enfield Poltergeist case, things happen that can't be easily explained. Objects move on their own, voices are heard, and it's all in a real - life setting. That's what makes it so scary.
Well, one thing that makes most scary horror stories terrifying is the sense of the unknown. For example, in many classic horror stories, there are shadowy figures or strange noises that the characters can't explain. It plays on our natural fear of the things we don't understand. Another factor is the vulnerability of the characters. When we see a character alone in a haunted house, we can't help but put ourselves in their shoes and feel that same sense of dread.
The unknown elements often make it terrifying. In many scary stories, there are things that go beyond our understanding of the normal world, like ghosts or unexplainable phenomena. They play on our fears of the dark and the unexpected.
The atmosphere. It often has dark, dimly lit environments that create a sense of unease. The sound design also plays a huge role. Creaking noises, strange whispers, and sudden loud sounds can startle you.
The unknown factor. In real ghost stories, there's often something that can't be explained rationally. For example, in the Bell Witch Haunting, no one could figure out what was causing the strange noises and attacks. It's this mystery that sends shivers down our spines.
The unknown elements make a scary story terrifying. When there are things that the characters and the readers don't understand, like a strange noise in the dark or a figure that appears and disappears without explanation, it creates fear. For example, in a haunted house story, if there are unexplained cold spots or voices, it gives a sense of unease.
One of the most terrifying villains in fiction is Hannibal Lecter. He is highly intelligent and has a penchant for cannibalism. His calm and calculating demeanor while performing heinous acts makes him extremely frightening.