Often, it's an ordinary person. Maybe a young student who stumbles upon something strange. For example, a student exploring an old school building that has a dark history.
Sometimes it can be an old man or an elder. They might have some knowledge about the supernatural events that are starting to occur. However, their age and wisdom may not be enough to completely fend off the horror. For instance, an old man who knows about an ancient curse on the village but still can't stop the evil from spreading as the story unfolds.
The typical protagonists can be people who are a bit naive. For example, a journalist who is investigating a strange story in an old asylum. They might be skeptical at first but then start to experience things that can't be explained rationally. Another type could be a family who moves into a new house with a dark past.
Sometimes, it could be a lone outsider. This type of protagonist might be new to a town or community where the horror is centered. They don't know the local secrets or legends, and they stumble upon the horror by accident. For instance, in some small - town horror stories, a new person in town starts to notice strange things that others seem to ignore or be afraid to talk about.
Ancient settings also play a big part. For example, old abandoned mansions or temples. These places are often filled with mystery and are said to be haunted by the spirits of the past. There might be some dark secrets hidden within those walls, like murders or suicides that took place long ago, which add to the horror factor.
Most of them are initially in disbelief. They might think that there is a rational explanation for the strange things happening around them. For example, if they hear strange noises at night, they first assume it's just the wind or some animals.
Well, one common element could be the use of traditional Chinese settings like ancient mansions or desolate temples. These places often carry a sense of mystery and unease. Another might be the presence of vengeful spirits, which are deeply rooted in Chinese folklore. For example, female ghosts in white dresses are quite prevalent, symbolizing the wronged and the unavenged.
In Chinese horror stories, the concept of yin and yang imbalance is also quite common. When there is too much yin (associated with the dark and the dead), it creates a breeding ground for horror. You might see things like a character being haunted after disturbing a yin - heavy place, like an old well or a forest that is said to be haunted. This imbalance often leads to all sorts of spooky happenings.
Sure. There's a story where a Chinese girlfriend always compares her boyfriend to other men. She's constantly saying things like 'Look at so - and - so, he's making so much more money than you' or 'That guy is so much more handsome and fit'. It really makes the guy feel bad about himself.
The movie 'The Eye' is a great example. It involves a woman who receives a cornea transplant and starts seeing strange and terrifying things. It combines elements of Chinese superstition and modern horror techniques.
It builds suspense through the use of slow - paced music and dim lighting. The music gets your heart racing slowly, and the dim lighting makes you wonder what's hidden in the shadows. Also, the characters' expressions of fear can make you feel that something really bad is about to happen.
Well, often there are spooky settings like old, dilapidated houses or desolate cemeteries. There might be strange noises, such as creaking doors or howling winds. And usually, there are some eerie characters, maybe a pale - faced girl with long black hair. It creates an atmosphere of mystery and fear right from the start.