They are often filled with suspense. The authors build up tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Many of them play on our fears. It could be the fear of the unknown, like in stories where there are strange creatures lurking in the dark. Or it could be the fear of death, with stories that involve near - death experiences or vengeful spirits. Also, the settings are usually spooky, such as old cemeteries, abandoned asylums, or dark forests.
One characteristic is the creation of a sense of unease. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's erratic behavior and the description of the old man's eye immediately put the reader on edge. Another is the use of the unknown. In 'The Call of Cthulhu', the unfathomable nature of the Cthulhu entity scares readers. And often, there are elements of death and the macabre, like in 'The Masque of the Red Death' where the Red Death itself is a symbol of mortality.
Typically, they are likely to have elements of the unknown. The fear of the unknown is a common characteristic in horror. For example, an unexplained sound or a shadow that moves on its own.
Often, they create a sense of unease and fear quickly. For example, they might start with a strange or disturbing setting like a haunted house or a desolate graveyard.
They are concise. Usually, they quickly establish a spooky or menacing situation. For example, in a short horror story, the horror might start within the first few sentences, like a strange noise in an empty house right at the start.
One characteristic is that they often have a simple yet spooky plot. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the basic idea of wishes going wrong in a horrible way is easy for kids to understand but still scary. Another is the use of common fears like the dark or strange creatures. In many kids horror short stories, there might be a spooky old house or a mysterious forest. Also, they usually have a moral lesson hidden within. Like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', it can be seen as a caution about the consequences of guilt.
Many 1948 horror short stories often had a sense of mystery. They were set in rather ordinary settings which made the horror more relatable. For instance, like 'The Lottery', it was set in a small town that seemed normal at first glance.
One characteristic is their ability to create a strong sense of atmosphere in a short space. They use vivid descriptions of spooky settings, such as the decaying mansion in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'. Also, they often end with a twist or a shock, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of dread. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the unexpected outcomes of the wishes are a prime example.
One characteristic is the sense of the unknown. They often feature entities or forces that are beyond human understanding. For example, in Lovecraft's works, the cosmic entities are so alien that just looking at them or learning about them can drive a person insane. Another is the use of isolation. Characters are usually in remote or desolate places, like in the middle of a dark forest or on a lonely planet. This isolation heightens the sense of dread.
They are often full of suspense. Since they are short, every scene and description has to count towards building the horror. For example, the description of the vampire's lair might be brief but very eerie.
One characteristic is the use of superstition. For example, many stories involve ghosts, spirits, and traditional Chinese beliefs about the afterlife. This adds an air of mystery.