By creating unpredictable situations. For instance, a character might think they are safe, but then suddenly something very unexpected and terrifying happens. This keeps the reader on edge. Also, the use of psychological elements like a character's inner fears and paranoia can add to the horror. When a character is constantly doubting their own sanity, it makes the reader feel the same unease.
Through his vivid descriptions. For example, in some stories, he describes grotesque creatures or situations in great detail, making the readers feel as if they are there. It's like he paints a picture in your mind that is hard to forget.
He uses vivid descriptions. For example, when describing strange settings or creepy characters, it makes you feel like you're there. In 'The Little Green God of Agony', the description of the pain - transfer device is so detailed that it immediately creates an air of mystery and suspense.
Well, one interesting story could be about a character who is haunted by their own past mistakes. It shows how those mistakes keep resurfacing in their nightmares.
They often use the element of the unknown. For instance, in a story where a character hears strange whispers but can't figure out where they're coming from.
The horror could be created by a sense of the unknown. The steps might lead to places or situations that the characters, and the readers, have no idea about. It's like walking into a dark room not knowing what's inside. Also, the characters might lose control as they follow the steps, and that loss of control is a big part of what makes it scary.
The stories use elements like the unknown. When readers don't know what's going to happen next, it creates fear. For example, a sudden noise in an empty room in one of the stories. It also uses things like death and the afterlife, which are often scary topics.
The sense of helplessness is a big factor. In many SCP stories, the characters, whether they are the Foundation personnel or the victims, are often in a situation where they have very little control. Take SCP - 999, which seems harmless at first but can cause extreme emotional distress if not handled properly. And there's no easy way to completely stop it from affecting people once it starts.
Sixpence Horror Stories also create horror through their settings. Dark forests, abandoned asylums, and old cemeteries are common settings that immediately give off a spooky vibe. The detailed descriptions of these places, like the overgrown weeds in the cemetery or the creaking floors in the asylum, enhance the sense of horror.
The 'Midwich Horror Stories' create horror through the use of the unknown. For example, if there are strange creatures or events that the characters can't explain, it immediately makes the readers feel uneasy.
They use the unique shape of the spiral. The spiral is an unusual and often unsettling shape that can make people feel uneasy. When it's constantly presented in a horror story, it creates a sense of dread.