The use of common childhood fears in a light - hearted way also makes these stories interesting. Children are often afraid of the dark or strange noises. When these fears are turned into something that has a funny outcome, like in the haunted house story where the noises had a normal explanation, it grabs their attention. Also, the characters in the story being relatable, like normal kids, makes it easier for children to engage with the story.
The element of mystery also plays a big role. In a funny scary short story, you can start with a mystery like a strange noise in an old attic. The reader is curious to find out what it is. And when the solution is revealed in a funny way, like it being a bunch of squirrels making the noise and they start doing circus tricks, it makes the story really interesting. Mystery keeps the reader's attention and the funny resolution gives a satisfying ending.
The combination of fear and humor. When a story can make you jump in your seat with fear one moment and then burst out laughing the next, it's really engaging. Like in a story where a person is being chased by what seems to be a serial killer, but it ends up being his friend playing a prank. The contrast between the initial horror and the final hilarity is what makes these short stories so interesting.
One element is the unexpected. For example, when a spooky ghost turns out to be friendly. It surprises the kids in a good way. They expect something really scary but then get a positive outcome. Another is the use of silly characters. Like a vampire who is afraid of garlic bread instead of garlic cloves. It twists the traditional scary ideas into something funny.
Surprise is a key element. For example, when you expect a terrifying monster but it turns out to be something harmless like a cat wearing a spooky mask. It gives that initial scare but then the realization is funny.
The unexpected twists. For example, in a story where you think there's a ghost, but it turns out to be something silly like a misbehaving pet. It plays with your expectations.
The contrast. In these stories, the sudden shift from scary to funny or vice versa is what hooks the reader. For example, you expect a real monster but end up with a cute little animal doing something silly.
The surprise element. In a good funny and scary campfire story, you expect one thing but get another. Like in the story of the hiker and the raccoon. You expect a monster but get a silly raccoon instead. It's this sudden change that makes it interesting.
The atmosphere is crucial. Dark, desolate settings like old mansions or abandoned asylums create a sense of dread. Another element is the element of the unknown. If a character in a story hears strange noises but can't figure out where they are coming from, it builds suspense. For instance, in the haunted house story, the couple heard whispers but couldn't tell who or what was making them.
One important element is over - the - top situations. For instance, if a mouse is chasing a cat instead of the other way around. This turns the normal expectations upside down. Exaggerated actions of the characters also contribute. Such as a little bird that flaps its wings so hard that it blows all the leaves off the trees. And of course, the use of vivid and comical descriptions, like a frog with a hat that's ten times too big for its head.
Dark and spooky settings like old houses, cemeteries or foggy forests are great elements. For example, an old, creaky house with boarded - up windows gives an instant sense of unease. Strange noises also add to the scariness, such as howls in the wind or unidentifiable whispers. Unusual characters, like a child with glowing eyes or a ghostly figure that moves in a strange way, can make a story really scary for children on halloween.