A great Stephen King novel often has really well - developed characters. For example, in 'The Green Mile', the characters like John Coffey are so complex and full of humanity. It's not just about the horror but also about the relationships between the characters.
A great Stephen King story usually has a unique and terrifying concept. Take 'Pet Sematary' for instance. The idea of an ancient burial ground that can bring the dead back, but not in the way you expect, is both macabre and original. It plays on our deepest fears about death and the unknown.
The characters in 'Misery'. Annie Wilkes is a very memorable and complex character. Her actions and the way she torments the writer create a lot of horror.
A great Stephen King story is often the best told when it has a really strong sense of atmosphere. For example, in 'Pet Sematary', the woods and the burial ground have this eery, otherworldly feel. The characters are also very important. If they are well - developed like in 'The Green Mile', where the inmates and the guards all have complex personalities, it makes the story more engaging. And of course, a good Stephen King story has to have that element of horror or the unexpected, like the twists in 'Carrie' where you don't expect her to have such powerful telekinetic abilities.
If it has a lot of suspense and a sense of impending doom, it could be a Stephen King novel. His stories often build tension slowly until it reaches a fever pitch.
Well, Stephen King's reputation plays a big part. His fans always look forward to his new books. Also, the characters in 'The Outsider' are very well - written. They are complex and feel real. The story also has a great build - up of suspense, which keeps readers hooked until the end. All these factors combined make it a best - selling crime novel.
One reason is his exploration of the human psyche. In many of his short stories, like 'Apt Pupil', he delves deep into the minds of his characters, showing their dark desires and how they can be corrupted. His use of language is also masterful. He can build suspense with simple yet powerful descriptions, making the reader feel as if they are right there in the story, whether it's in a haunted house or a post - apocalyptic wasteland.
A great Stephen King horror short story often has a unique and terrifying concept. For example, in 'The Boogeyman', the idea of a monster in the closet is a common childhood fear that he takes to a whole new level. The way he builds suspense, like making the reader wonder if the character is really just imagining things or if there is a real threat, is key.
I think 'It' is the best. The idea of an ancient evil that takes the form of a clown to prey on children is really creepy. The story has a great blend of horror and coming - of - age elements. The Losers' Club and their friendship are really well - developed, and the way they have to face their fears again as adults is very engaging.
In my opinion, 'The Shining' is one of the best Stephen King novels. It's a classic horror story. The setting of the isolated Overlook Hotel is so vividly described that it almost becomes a character itself. The slow build - up of the horror, with Jack Torrance's descent into madness, is truly chilling.
It's subjective, but many consider 'The Shining' as one of his best. The horror and psychological depth make it a classic.