Often, the history associated with the doll is a scary element. If it was once owned by a disturbed person or was part of a dark ritual. This backstory adds a layer of mystery and horror. Also, the way the doll seems to be indestructible in some stories. No matter how hard people try to get rid of it, it always comes back, which is a really spooky concept.
The appearance of the doll can be very scary. For example, a cracked porcelain face or dull, staring eyes. It gives an uncanny feeling.
The idea of them being possessed is a very scary element. It gives the sense that there's an evil or unknown force within the doll that can cause harm. Like in Annabelle's story, the doll was believed to be controlled by a malevolent spirit, which led to all sorts of spooky happenings.
The fact that the doll is in a chair adds to the horror. It gives the impression that it has been sitting there for a long time, perhaps waiting for something or someone. And when it moves, it's as if it's breaking free from that long - time stillness. For example, in some stories, the doll in the chair might start to rock back and forth, which is very creepy.
The unknown is a very scary element. For example, in a short horror story, when you hear strange noises but don't know what's making them. It creates a sense of fear and anticipation.
The unknown. In short horror stories, often what you don't see or understand is the scariest. For example, in 'The Red Room', not knowing what is making the noises in the walls creates a sense of dread. Another element is the isolation. When the characters are alone, like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', it amplifies the fear.
Ghosts and spirits play a big role in scaring people in these stories. They often come with an eerie presence. Like in a story where a spirit haunts a particular place. It might be an old house or a lonely road. The spirit's actions, like making things move or whispering in a cold voice, are really terrifying. Also, the cultural beliefs and superstitions in Tagalog culture add to the scariness. Things like the idea of vengeful spirits due to wrongdoings in the past are quite spooky. It makes the horror more relatable to those who grew up with these cultural beliefs.
Sudden twists. Like when you think a character is safe and then suddenly they're in mortal danger. In a short story, this can be really shocking. For instance, a person thinking they escaped a haunted place but then finding out they're still trapped in some other way. It plays on our sense of false security.
The appearance of the clown is often a very scary element. Their exaggerated makeup, big smiles, and colorful yet often tattered costumes can be quite unnerving. For example, in 'It', Pennywise's white face with red lips and yellow eyes is terrifying.
The ghosts are often really scary. Like the white lady, her pale appearance and sudden appearance in the middle of the night can send shivers down your spine. Also, the idea of being haunted by the spirits of the dead in places like old houses or lonely roads is very frightening.
The element of the supernatural. In quora horror short stories, you often encounter ghosts, demons, or other unworldly beings. For instance, the story of the girl haunted by a vengeful spirit. These supernatural entities operate outside the rules of the normal world and can do things that are impossible and terrifying.
The suddenness of the danger is very scary. In these stories, people are often just going about their normal swim and then, boom, they're in mortal danger. Like in the story of the girl at the lake, she was just swimming and then out of nowhere this unknown force grabs her.