These shows often include details from the true stories that are particularly disturbing. In shows about haunted places, they might include things like the real accounts of people hearing strange noises or seeing apparitions. They build on these real elements and add their own twists to make it even more horrifying. For instance, in 'The Amityville Horror' shows, they expand on the real - life family's claims of seeing red eyes and feeling a sense of evil in the house, and through special effects and good storytelling, it becomes a truly terrifying experience.
They use real events as a base. Just knowing that something like that actually happened makes it scarier. For example, in shows based on real - life serial killers, the fact that those killers really existed and did those horrible things gives an immediate sense of dread.
It creates horror through the use of disturbing imagery, like the nanny's death scene. Also, the idea of an innocent - looking child being something evil is quite scary.
The sense of helplessness is a big factor. In many SCP stories, the characters, whether they are the Foundation personnel or the victims, are often in a situation where they have very little control. Take SCP - 999, which seems harmless at first but can cause extreme emotional distress if not handled properly. And there's no easy way to completely stop it from affecting people once it starts.
Sixpence Horror Stories also create horror through their settings. Dark forests, abandoned asylums, and old cemeteries are common settings that immediately give off a spooky vibe. The detailed descriptions of these places, like the overgrown weeds in the cemetery or the creaking floors in the asylum, enhance the sense of horror.
The 'Midwich Horror Stories' create horror through the use of the unknown. For example, if there are strange creatures or events that the characters can't explain, it immediately makes the readers feel uneasy.
They use the unique shape of the spiral. The spiral is an unusual and often unsettling shape that can make people feel uneasy. When it's constantly presented in a horror story, it creates a sense of dread.
Lottery horror novels often create horror by subverting expectations. You expect winning the lottery to be a good thing, but in these novels, it's the opposite. For example, the 'prize' could be something dreadful like a slow and painful death or being hunted.
By presenting real - life settings. The high desert is a desolate place, and just the thought of something scary happening there can be horrifying.
Characterization also plays a big role. By creating vulnerable characters, like innocent children or the mentally ill, the horror is intensified. The reader can easily empathize with them and feel their fear more acutely. In 'The Shining', the slow descent of the father into madness while his family is trapped with him in the hotel is a prime example.
Through atmosphere. They often use dark and muted color palettes, along with eerie music and sound effects. For example, in 'Doki Doki Literature Club', the music changes to a more disturbing tone as the story gets darker.
The element of the unknown also plays a big role. For example, there could be hidden passages that lead to terrifying places filled with horrors that the player can't anticipate. This lack of knowledge about what's around the corner keeps the player in a constant state of fear.