They often use the unknown. For example, in many horror novels, there are shadowy creatures or events that are not fully explained at first. This lack of knowledge makes readers fear what might be lurking.
They often use spooky settings like old mansions, graveyards, or isolated places. For example, in 'The Shining', the Overlook Hotel is an isolated and creepy place that immediately makes the reader feel on edge. Also, the use of the unknown. In many horror novels, there are unexplained phenomena that keep the reader guessing and scared. And the creation of menacing characters, like the vampires in 'Dracula' or the demons in 'The Exorcist' can be really frightening.
IT horror novels often create fear by using the unknown aspects of technology. For example, in 'It', the entity Pennywise can manipulate technology in the town, like making the sewers seem even more menacing, which scares readers as it's something that could potentially happen in real life.
They create fear in multiple ways. One is by using the unknown. Ghosts are often not fully understood entities. In stories like 'The Woman in Black', the mystery around the woman's identity and her motives for haunting is terrifying. Also, the element of the supernatural defying the laws of nature makes us feel vulnerable. When a ghost can pass through walls or appear out of nowhere, it scares us. Moreover, the psychological aspect, like in 'The Haunting of Hill House', where the characters' own minds seem to turn against them in the face of the ghostly happenings, adds to the fear.
Horror gothic novels create fear through various means. The atmosphere is crucial. They build an atmosphere of gloom and doom, with elements like mist, howling winds, and creaking doors. The use of foreshadowing also plays a big role. In 'Dracula', there are many hints about the vampire's arrival and his evil deeds before he actually shows up. The characters' psychological states are another factor. For instance, the madness that overcomes Dr. Jekyll as he transforms into Mr. Hyde is terrifying. And the way these novels often isolate their characters, whether in a remote castle or on a lonely island, makes the reader feel their vulnerability and thus heightens the sense of fear.
Wilderness horror novels create fear through isolation. When characters are alone in the vast wilderness, far from help, it amps up the tension. For example, in 'The Ruins', the characters are trapped in the jungle with no easy way out. Also, the unknown elements in the wilderness, like strange noises or unseen creatures, play a big role. In 'Annihilation', the Area X is full of things that are not clearly defined, making the reader feel uneasy.
They often create fear by having the cryptids be unknown and unpredictable. For example, a cryptid that can appear and disappear suddenly. It makes the reader constantly on edge.
They often play on our primal fears. In many cryptid horror novels, the creatures are a threat to our survival. In 'The Ruins', the plant - like cryptid slowly kills and tortures the characters. The isolation of the characters in the face of these cryptids also adds to the fear. When the characters are alone or in a small group, like in 'The Troop', it makes the threat seem more overwhelming.
Horror graphic novels create fear through their visuals. The detailed and often grotesque drawings can be quite shocking. For example, in 'Uzumaki', the distorted and spiraling images are disturbing to look at. They also use pacing. By slowly revealing the horror elements, like in 'The Walking Dead' where the threat of the zombies builds up gradually, it keeps the reader on edge.
The use of military hierarchy and rules also adds to the horror. Soldiers are trained to follow orders, but in a horror situation, these rules might lead them into more danger. For instance, in a novel where they are ordered to stay in a haunted building for some strategic reason. They can't just run away like civilians would. They have to face the horror while still adhering to military discipline. This conflict between survival and duty is a great source of fear. And also, the military equipment which is supposed to protect them might fail in the face of the unknown horror, leaving them vulnerable.
They often use the unknown. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the house itself is full of secrets. We don't know exactly what's lurking in the dark corners or behind the closed doors. This lack of knowledge makes our imagination run wild and creates fear.