It might be the way the story is told. If it has a slow - building tension, starting from a seemingly normal situation and then gradually introducing elements that are more and more disturbing. Also, if it has details that are so real - life and relatable, like it could happen to anyone, that makes it all the scarier. For instance, if it's about a haunted house that looks like any ordinary house on the street, but inside holds terrifying secrets.
When it involves a threat to our safety or well - being, a true story can be very scary. Imagine a true story about a serial killer on the loose in a small town. People there are constantly in fear of being the next victim, not knowing where the killer might strike next. Also, if it has a sense of inevitability, like a curse that seems to affect people no matter what they do. It creates a feeling of helplessness that is truly terrifying.
Often it's the element of the unknown. When something strange happens and you can't explain it, that's really scary. For example, if you hear unexplained noises in your house at night.
What makes a scary story truly scary is the element of the unknown. When there are things that are left to the imagination, it scares people more. For example, in a story where there's a strange noise in the attic but you don't know what's causing it. It could be anything, and that uncertainty is terrifying.
Sure. One time I was alone in an old, creaky house at night. I heard strange noises coming from the attic. It sounded like someone was dragging heavy chains. I was so scared that I couldn't move for a while. When I finally got the courage to check, there was nothing there. But the feeling of dread stayed with me.
Often, the unknown makes a story truly scary. For example, in many of these stories, there are unexplained noises or movements. When you don't know what's causing something, it scares you more. Like in a haunted house story, if you just hear a creaking sound but don't see what's making it, your mind starts to imagine all sorts of terrifying things.
The element of surprise and the unknown. When you don't expect what's coming and can't predict it, that's what makes a scary story truly terrifying.
A really scary story often has elements like unexpected twists, lurking threats that are hard to predict, and a sense of helplessness for the characters.
The characters in the story could be really terrifying. For instance, if there are some evil monsters or ghosts that are described in great detail, it would make the story scary. Also, if the setting is a dark and spooky place like an abandoned house or a haunted forest, that would add to the scariness. And if there are some really tense moments, like someone being chased by an unknown entity, it would make the story very scary.
The element of psychological horror can make a scary story truly terrifying. It's not just about jump scares or monsters. It's about getting into the minds of the characters and feeling their fear, paranoia, and despair. For instance, a story where a character slowly loses their sanity can be very disturbing as it makes the audience question their own mental state and what they would do in such a situation.
It could be the atmosphere that the story creates. If it's set in a dark, isolated place like an old abandoned house or a desolate forest at night, and the author does a great job of building up the sense of dread and unease. There might be strange noises, shadows that seem to move on their own, and that can send shivers down your spine.