One common element is the use of the unknown. For example, in many stories, there are dark and unexplored places like haunted houses or abandoned asylums. Another is the presence of monsters or evil entities, such as vampires, ghosts or demons. Fear of death is also often a key element.
Well, suspense is a big part. Writers build up tension gradually, making readers wonder what will happen next. Isolation is another common thing. When characters are alone in a spooky place, it amps up the fear. And often, there are elements of the supernatural, like curses or strange powers that can't be explained by normal means. This makes the stories scarier as it goes beyond our normal understanding of the world.
Scary fiction stories often have a sense of impending doom. The characters are usually in a situation where they feel that something bad is about to happen, but they don't know exactly what or when. Dark secrets are also common. There might be a hidden past in a place or a person that is gradually revealed and is the source of the horror. Also, the use of atmosphere, like a dark and stormy night or a fog - covered graveyard, helps to create a spooky mood.
One common element is the unknown. When there are things that characters and readers don't understand, like strange noises in an old house or a mysterious figure in the fog, it creates fear. Another is isolation. If the characters are alone, like in a desolate cabin in the woods, it makes them more vulnerable and scarier situations can occur.
One common element is the unknown. When there are things that can't be easily explained, like strange noises in an empty house or a figure that disappears when you look closer, it creates fear.
One common element is the presence of the unknown. For example, in many scary stories, there is a mystery figure or thing that people don't understand, like the shadow in the haunted house story. Another element is the sense of isolation. When the characters are alone, like the hiker in the forest, it makes the situation scarier. Darkness is also a common element as it hides the threats and adds to the sense of fear.
One common element is the sense of isolation. In many 1999 scary stories, characters find themselves alone in a spooky place like an abandoned building or a dark forest. Another is the use of the unknown. For example, strange noises or shadowy figures that the characters can't explain. Also, a lot of these stories play on the fear of the past. Maybe it's an old object with a history, like a cursed doll, that brings the horror.
Supernatural creatures are a common element. Like the ones I mentioned before, such as the Rolling Calf, Soucouyant, and Duppy. These creatures often have specific characteristics and behaviors that make them both fascinating and terrifying.
One common element is the presence of supernatural beings like jinns or divs. These are often depicted as powerful and sometimes malevolent entities that can cause chaos and fear. For example, in many stories, they can change their forms to deceive humans.
The concept of fate and the supernatural's influence on it is another element. In many of these stories, misfortunes are not just random but are caused by the actions of these supernatural beings. For example, when the Egbere haunts the forest, it's not just a random event but part of the overall belief in a world where the supernatural controls certain aspects of human fate.
One common element is the idea of the corpse being restless. It's often depicted as not being at peace in death, so it haunts places or people. For example, a corpse might be seeking revenge for an unfair death.
One common element is the presence of spirits. In many Apache scary stories, the spirits of ancestors or those who died in battle play a significant role. They can either protect or haunt the living depending on how the living behave. Another element is the use of nature as a backdrop for the scares. For example, a desolate canyon or a dark forest can be the setting where the spooky events occur. Also, the idea of curses is common. A person or a place can be cursed by an evil shaman or witch, leading to all kinds of terrifying consequences.
The setting often plays an important role. It is usually a lonely place such as an abandoned house, a dark forest or a desolate road. These places add to the overall spooky atmosphere of the story. For instance, a story set in an old, crumbling haveli (mansion) instantly gives a feeling of unease. In addition, curses are also a common element. There are stories where a whole family or a place is cursed, leading to all sorts of strange and scary happenings.