In the structure, the build - up of events is crucial. It starts with normal things, then slowly adds in abnormal elements. Like first a character has a normal day, but then they find a strange object. As the story goes on, more and more strange things happen around that object, making the fear grow. Also, the way the horror is revealed bit by bit, like a shadow slowly taking shape, is very effective in creating fear.
The structure creates fear by starting with the normal. When readers see a normal situation turn bad, it makes them fear for their own normal lives. For example, if a story starts in a peaceful neighborhood and then murders start happening, it makes the reader think 'this could happen to me'. The build - up of suspense also plays a big role. The more the characters discover and the more questions are raised, the more the reader feels on edge.
By its appearance. The distorted face and strange makeup can be really scary.
They create fear through their appearance. For example, a character with a disfigured face or blood - soaked clothes can be really scary. Their actions also matter. If a character moves in a jerky, unnatural way, it gives off a spooky vibe. Another way is through their voices. A hoarse, whispering voice can send shivers down your spine.
Horror stories create fear mainly by playing on our primal fears. Things like the dark, the unknown, and death are common elements in horror. They tap into our subconscious and bring out those deep - seated fears. For instance, a story set in a pitch - black forest at night where the protagonist can't see what's lurking around them is terrifying. Additionally, unexpected twists and turns can create fear. Just when the reader thinks the character is safe, something horrible happens, like a sudden appearance of a ghost or a serial killer. Sound is also important in horror stories, whether it's the creaking of a door or a blood - curdling scream, it adds to the overall sense of fear.
Horror series and stories often use the unknown to create fear. For example, in a lot of horror stories, there are mysterious noises in the dark. We don't know what's making those noises, and that scares us. In horror series like 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old, creaky house is full of secrets that we gradually discover, but the anticipation of what we might find next is what keeps us on edge.
It can create fear through the grotesque physical transformation. Just seeing a body part, like the belly, expanding in an unnatural way is disturbing.
IT horror novels often create fear by using the unknown aspects of technology. For example, in 'It', the entity Pennywise can manipulate technology in the town, like making the sewers seem even more menacing, which scares readers as it's something that could potentially happen in real life.
Symbols in horror stories create fear in multiple ways. Let's take the symbol of the haunted house. It's a place that's supposed to be a home, a place of safety, but when it's haunted, it subverts that expectation. The dilapidated walls, broken windows, and creaking floors all contribute to the feeling of dread. Another symbol, the disembodied voice, is also very effective. We rely on our sense of hearing to detect danger in the real world, and a voice with no visible source is deeply unsettling. And then there are symbols like the pentagram, which are associated with dark magic and the unknown, and that mystery and potential for malevolence is what scares us.
Paranormal horror fiction creates fear through the unknown. For example, ghosts and spirits are often used. We don't really understand what they are or what they can do, so it scares us. Strange noises, apparitions, and things moving on their own all play on our fear of the unexplained.