There are also sometimes upper - class characters. Their sense of propriety and entitlement gets challenged by the horror elements. They might be initially dismissive of the strange happenings, thinking they are above such things.
In 'The Open Window', the main characters are Vera, a young girl who is a great storyteller, and Mr. Nuttel, a rather nervous man who falls for Vera's false story. Vera is very clever in creating a spooky scenario for Mr. Nuttel.
Occasionally, you'll find outcasts or misfits in Victor LaValle's horror stories. They might be people who have been shunned by society and are more vulnerable to the horror that lurks in the shadows. Their isolation makes them both interesting and sympathetic characters as they face the terrors that come their way.
Sometimes, there are authority figures who turn out to be part of the horror. Such as a strict schoolteacher who has a dark secret or a mayor who is involved in some sort of malevolent plot. These characters add an extra layer of shock and horror as they are supposed to be in positions of trust and power.
One main theme is the unexpected. In Saki's stories, things often don't turn out as the characters expect. For example, in 'The Open Window', the visitor is completely unprepared for the girl's false tale.
Often, you'll find strong - willed female characters. These women are dealing with a variety of issues, such as discrimination based on their gender or race.
Often, Burton has characters that are either misfits or have some sort of supernatural element. In 'Beetlejuice', Beetlejuice himself is a supernatural entity that causes chaos. In his version of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', Charlie is a bit of an outcast in his poor family but also has a kind heart which sets him apart. The characters are usually on a journey of self - discovery or trying to find their place in a world that doesn't seem to understand them.
Werewolves are also frequently main characters. The alpha werewolves lead their packs and are often in conflict with other supernatural beings, especially vampires. They are very protective of their territory.
In 'The Open Window', Vera is a main character. She is a young girl with a vivid imagination who likes to play tricks on people.
Well, small horror stories often have elements like a sense of impending doom. It could be a feeling that something bad is going to happen but you don't know when or what. Unnatural or unexplained phenomena are also popular. Think of a floating object or a door that opens on its own. And then there's the idea of being watched. You might be in a room and feel like there are eyes on you, even though you can't see anyone. These things make small horror stories so spooky.
Common elements include spooky settings like old houses or dark forests. Creepy characters such as ghosts, vampires or deranged killers are also often present. Another element is the use of suspense, for example, not knowing what's lurking in the dark.