Well, in a best horror story, the characters need to be relatable. If we can see a bit of ourselves in them, it makes their fear more palpable. The pacing is important as well. A slow build - up of tension, like the feeling of being watched gradually intensifying, and then sudden scares, like a face popping out of nowhere, are hallmarks of a great horror story.
Well, a hot horror story often has an atmosphere that is both oppressive and claustrophobic. The heat can create this thick, heavy air that makes it hard to breathe, much like the feeling of being in the presence of something truly terrifying. The use of vivid descriptions of the heat, such as the sun beating down mercilessly or the air feeling like it's on fire, can set the mood. Also, a hot horror story might involve elements related to the body's reaction to heat, like dehydration leading to hallucinations. These hallucinations can then be used to introduce the horror elements. And characters who are vulnerable because of the heat, like being too weak to fight back against a threat, can add to the overall horror.
One key element is suspense. For example, in 'Psycho' by Robert Bloch, the suspense builds as we wonder what will happen to Marion Crane when she stops at the Bates Motel. Another element is the unknown. In Lovecraftian horror, the idea of unknowable cosmic entities creates a deep sense of horror because our minds can't fully comprehend them.
A good horror story usually has elements like creepy settings, mysterious characters, and unexpected plot twists.
One element is the unknown. When there are things that are not clearly explained, like a strange noise in an old house with no obvious source. Another is a sense of helplessness. For example, a character being trapped in a haunted place with no way to escape. Also, the use of psychological horror, such as a character slowly losing their sanity and not knowing what's real or not.
A bit of humor always helps. Like if you trip in a really clumsy way but then laugh about it and it leads to a positive outcome such as making new friends who saw you trip. Also, the location matters. Tripping in an exotic or beautiful place like a rainforest or an ancient city can make for a great story. You can describe the unique scenery and how the tripping incident became part of that adventure.
Surprise is a key element. For example, if two people meet in a very unexpected place like on a deserted island, that's really surprising. It makes the coincidence story stand out.
Surprises can make a blizzard story the best. Imagine you thought you had enough supplies for the blizzard but then you run out of firewood. And just when you start to worry, you find a hidden stash of wood in your attic. These unexpected twists and turns, along with the unique backdrop of a blizzard, can create a really memorable story.
Well, one element could be clear communication between the participants. In a great BDSM story, both parties know their limits and desires beforehand. This allows for a safe and consensual experience.
Humor is a key element. Deadpool's sarcastic and often inappropriate jokes are what set his stories apart. For example, in 'Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe', his dark humor while taking on the big - name Marvel characters is both shocking and funny.
A great short story often has a theme that makes the reader think. Take 'Harrison Bergeron' by Kurt Vonnegut. The theme of equality taken to an extreme in a dystopian society where everyone is made equal by handicapping the more intelligent or talented is really thought - provoking. It makes the readers question the concept of equality and the cost of achieving it.