The unknown entity doing the possessing is also a big factor. We don't know what it wants or how far it will go. For example, in 'The Exorcist', the demon's motives are unclear at first, and its power is terrifying. The grotesque changes in the possessed character's behavior, like unnatural contortions and speaking in strange voices, add to the horror. The idea that this could happen to anyone makes it even scarier.
The religious or supernatural elements often associated with possession can also be a source of fear. In many possession horror novels, there are elements of good vs. evil, heaven vs. hell. The thought that there are forces beyond our understanding that can take over our bodies and souls is a very frightening concept. It plays on our deepest fears about the afterlife and the existence of malevolent spirits.
IT horror novels often create fear by using the unknown aspects of technology. For example, in 'It', the entity Pennywise can manipulate technology in the town, like making the sewers seem even more menacing, which scares readers as it's something that could potentially happen in real life.
By using descriptive language. For instance, if it describes a place as 'dimly lit, with cobwebs hanging like death shrouds', it immediately sets a spooky mood. Also, the introduction of an unknown threat, like 'a shadow moved in the corner, but she couldn't see what it was' creates fear.
Zombie horror novels create a sense of fear mainly through the concept of the undead. The idea that the dead can come back to life and attack the living is inherently terrifying. Also, they often depict a breakdown of society, like in 'World War Z', which makes readers fear for their own safety in such a chaotic world.
Suspense horror stories use several techniques to create fear. One is the use of atmosphere. Dark, gloomy settings like an old, abandoned mansion or a fog - covered cemetery immediately set a spooky mood. In 'Dracula', the Transylvanian castle is a perfect example. Another way is through unreliable narrators. When the person telling the story might be crazy or lying, like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', it makes the reader question what's real and adds to the fear. And the element of isolation is important too. If the characters are alone in a scary place, like in 'The Shining' with the family in the isolated hotel, it amps up the fear factor.
Urban horror novels often use familiar settings like city streets, apartments, or office buildings. By making the setting something readers can recognize, it becomes easier to imagine the horror happening there. They also play with the idea of the unknown lurking within the normal, for example, a monster hiding in the sewers beneath a busy city.
Expedition horror novels often create fear by isolating the characters. When a group is on an expedition, they are far from help. For example, in 'The Ruins', the characters are stuck at the Mayan ruin with no easy way out. This isolation makes the reader feel that the characters are truly alone and vulnerable.
They often use atmosphere. In 'It', Stephen King describes the sewers and the town of Derry in a way that makes them seem menacing. The isolation, the strange noises, and the lurking presence all contribute to the fear. Also, the use of psychological elements like the characters' fears and traumas. In 'Rosemary's Baby', Rosemary's growing paranoia about her pregnancy adds to the overall sense of dread.
They often use the setting. For example, a small, dark room or a long, narrow corridor. The limited space makes the character's (and reader's) options seem very few, creating fear. Also, the lack of escape routes is key.
They also use sound in a very effective way. A creaking door in an empty hallway, or a faint whisper in the wind can be very scary. These sounds are often left unexplained, which makes the mind race with possibilities. And when combined with a slow - paced narrative, the fear builds gradually as the reader anticipates what might happen next.