One way is to use a claustrophobic space. If the characters are trapped in a small, dark room or a narrow corridor, it immediately builds tension. They can't easily escape whatever is coming for them.
Silence can be a powerful tool. After a period of strange noises, a sudden silence can be really unnerving. It makes the characters (and the readers) wonder what's about to happen. And if there are things in the setting that seem out of place, like a modern object in an ancient, haunted place. It creates a sense of wrongness and builds tension as the characters try to figure out what it means.
One way is to use slow pacing and build up suspense gradually. Let the reader or viewer wonder what's coming next.
The turning horror story' builds tension through the way it describes things. The detailed descriptions of spooky settings, like a dimly lit corridor with strange shadows, make the reader feel uneasy. And the characters' reactions to the strange events also add to the tension. If a character is visibly terrified by something as simple as a creaking floorboard, it makes the reader anticipate that something truly horrible is about to occur.
To build tension in your horror story, use short and choppy sentences. For example, 'I heard a noise. I froze. It came again.' This gives a sense of urgency and fear. Also, describe the environment in a way that makes it seem threatening. If it's a dark alley, mention the stench, the dripping water that could be something else, and the lack of light. Another way is to limit the character's vision. Maybe there's a thick fog so they can't see what's coming. This makes the reader feel as uncertain as the character and builds tension.
Through its use of sound. The spooky music and sudden noises really build up the tension.
Use short, choppy sentences. For instance, 'She ran. The thing chased. Darkness everywhere.' This makes the reader feel the urgency and fear. Also, describe the unknown. Don't show the monster right away. Let the reader's imagination run wild. Maybe just describe its glowing eyes or its heavy breathing.
The setting can build suspense by being unpredictable. For example, if a character is in a maze - like old house, not knowing what lies around each corner. Every door they open could lead to a new and more terrifying discovery. Another way is through the use of hidden spaces. A secret room in an already spooky attic can hold all sorts of horrors waiting to be found.
Tension can be built by introducing unexpected twists and turns. Maybe a trusted ally betrays the protagonist or a seemingly easy solution turns out to be a trap. Additionally, ratcheting up the stakes for the characters makes the story more tense.
They might use pacing. Slow build - up, like gradually revealing strange events or details. For example, first a small, unexplained sound, then a shadow moving slowly, building up the tension bit by bit.
You can start by creating a sense of uncertainty. Make readers wonder what's going to happen next. Also, build up to important events slowly to increase anticipation.
You can also use the power of the unknown. Don't reveal too much too soon. Just give hints about what might be out there. For instance, the character hears a growl, but they don't know what kind of creature it could be. Is it a wild animal? Or something more sinister? Also, create a sense of isolation for the character. If they're alone in a big, empty place, it adds to their vulnerability and the tension of the situation. And don't forget to use short, choppy sentences when the action starts to pick up to increase the sense of urgency.