The theme of death and the afterlife is very common in scary stories. It often makes people wonder what awaits them. Also, psychological horror themes like madness and paranoia are popular. For example, a character slowly losing their mind. Additionally, monsters, whether they are traditional ones like werewolves or new and strange creations, are often seen as a popular theme.
Popular themes in scary stories are often related to things that violate the natural order. For instance, cursed objects that bring misfortune. There are also themes centered around secrets and revelations. A hidden truth that when uncovered brings horror. Another theme is the idea of the doppelganger, something that looks exactly like you but is not you and usually has malevolent intentions. These themes play on our fears and create a sense of unease and terror.
One popular theme is the supernatural. This can include ghosts, vampires, and witches. Another is the idea of being trapped or isolated, like in a haunted house or a deserted island. And then there's the theme of the unknown, where things are lurking in the dark and not fully understood.
Ghosts are common elements. For example, the ghosts of pilgrims or Native Americans might appear to haunt the places related to the first Thanksgiving. Another element is cursed food. Like a turkey that brings bad luck or illness to those who eat it. Also, there could be haunted locations such as old houses where the first Thanksgiving celebrations took place or areas near Native American burial grounds.
Supernatural beings are often in these stories. Ghosts, vampires, or demons. They bring a sense of the unknown and the otherworldly, which is really scary. For example, a ghostly figure that haunts a particular place, causing strange happenings.
Curses and possessions are also frequent elements. A person or an object can be possessed by a demon, leading to abnormal behavior. This can range from speaking in strange tongues to having superhuman strength. And often, there's a sense of impending doom throughout the story, as if there's no escape from the demonic influence.
One element often found in scary witchcraft stories is the use of potions. Witches brew strange concoctions that can have various effects. Some potions can make a person fall into a deep sleep forever, while others can transform them into animals. Symbols also play a role. There might be pentagrams or other occult symbols that the witch uses in her magic. The sense of mystery and the unknown is another key aspect. The witch's powers are not fully understood by the characters in the story, and this creates fear. For instance, a witch might be able to appear and disappear at will, leaving the people in the story terrified and confused.
It could be adventure, love, or friendship. Those are often common in many story types.
Popular ones from the list of scary stories include 'The Black Cat'. It's a story that delves into the human psyche and the idea of guilt. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' has also gained a lot of popularity over the years. It's a great example of psychological horror that many people can relate to on some level. 'Carmilla' is also quite popular, especially for those interested in vampire stories. The relationship between the main character and the female vampire is both strange and terrifying.
Dark and spooky settings are common, like old huts in the forest or abandoned castles. Witches are usually depicted with strange features such as long, hooked noses and blood - red eyes. There are often strange potions or spells involved. For example, a witch might be brewing a potion that has some sort of malevolent purpose. Also, there are often victims, like lost children or unsuspecting travelers who encounter the witch by accident.
One common element is the unknown. For example, in many short scary stories, there are strange noises or figures that are not clearly defined. This creates a sense of mystery and fear. Another element is isolation. When the character is alone in a spooky place like an old house or in the middle of the woods, it heightens the fear factor.
There could be mini - stories that are related to the main plot but with a twist. Say, in a haunted house movie, after the credits, there might be a scene showing that the spirit has now transferred to a new location, perhaps a character's new home. This not only scares the audience but also makes them think about the implications for the future. Another type could be a backstory that was not fully explored during the main movie. It gives more depth to the horror elements already presented. For example, if there was a mysterious creature in the movie, the post - credits story could be about how that creature came to be in that location in the first place.
Ghosts are very common. They can be the spirits of the dead who come back to haunt the living on Halloween. For example, a ghostly figure floating through an old cemetery.