The element of surprise. For example, in many of these stories, just when you think everything is normal, something unexpected happens. It catches the reader off - guard.
The use of atmosphere is key. The writers create a spooky mood right from the start. They might describe a dark and foggy forest, or an old, dilapidated building. This sets the tone for the horror to come. In'my favorite short scary stories', the descriptions are vivid enough to make you feel like you're actually in the scary situation, whether it's a haunted room or a cursed place.
The characters are usually well - developed. In 'Dracula', the vampire himself is a complex character. He's not just a one - dimensional monster. His charm and power make him both fascinating and terrifying. And the human characters who are trying to fight against him also have their own personalities and flaws, which makes the story more engaging.
The brevity of short and scary stories is appealing because it gives a quick jolt of fear. You can get that rush of adrenaline in just a few minutes of reading.
The suspense. In a short story, the writer can quickly build up suspense. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the slow descent into madness of the narrator as she is confined in a room with the strange wallpaper keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Well, short short scary stories are great because they are easy to remember and share. You can quickly pass on the creepy feeling to others. Also, they often focus on a single, really scary element, like a ghostly apparition or a sudden, unexplained noise, which makes them very impactful in a short space.
The suspense. In short stories, especially scary ghost ones, the writers often build up the suspense quickly. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', Poe keeps you on edge wondering if the narrator will get caught. There's no long, drawn - out build - up like in some novels.
The mystery in super scary short stories is appealing. They leave a lot to the imagination. For example, a story might just hint at a monster without fully showing it. This makes readers' minds fill in the blanks, creating a more personal and scarier experience.
The thrill. People like the feeling of being on the edge. Scary and shocking short stories can give that instant rush. For example, a sudden twist at the end can make your heart race.
The suspense. In famous scary short stories, like 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the build - up of suspense keeps readers on the edge of their seats. You don't know when the narrator will finally snap completely or if he'll be caught. It's this not - knowing that makes it exciting.
They play on our fears. These stories can tap into common fears like the fear of the unknown, fear of death, or fear of the dark. For example, a story set in a spooky old house at night can really make you feel uneasy because it plays on the fear of the dark and what might be lurking in the shadows. Also, the fact that they are short means you can get a quick scare fix, which is appealing for those who don't have a lot of time but still want to experience some thrills.
The brevity. In just 2 minutes, you can get a good scare. It doesn't waste your time with long, drawn - out build - ups. You quickly get to the spooky part.