Unexpected twists can make a story very scary. For instance, when you think the main character has found safety, but then suddenly something even more terrifying happens. Also, the presence of malevolent entities like ghosts, demons, or monsters, especially when they have the ability to harm the characters, can make a story extremely scary.
The elements that make a story very scary often include unexpected twists, intense suspense, and creepy settings. Monsters or villains that are hard to defeat also add to the scariness.
Often in such stories, there might be unexpected plot twists. For example, a character who seems friendly turns out to be the source of all the fear. In the case of Even Stevens, it could be that something ordinary in the Stevens' family life takes a terrifying turn. Maybe a new neighbor who is not what they seem, or a strange event that starts to unfold in their seemingly normal neighborhood. This contrast between the normal and the suddenly very scary can be really effective in making it a very scary story.
The sense of helplessness is a big factor. In these stories, like in a haunted house scenario, the characters are usually trapped in some way. They can't easily escape the presence of the ghost. Also, the atmosphere created, like dim lighting, cold drafts, and eerie silence broken by sudden noises, all contribute to making the story terrifying. And the idea that the ghost might have some malevolent intent towards the living, that's really scary.
The unknown. In a very scary ghost story, it's often the things that we don't understand or can't see clearly that are the scariest. For example, a strange noise in the middle of the night, or a shadow that moves when there's no one there.
The setting is important. A dark, isolated place like a spooky forest or a ruined castle makes it scarier. For example, if the witch lives in a cave filled with strange noises and dripping water. Also, the witch's appearance matters. If she has a wrinkled face, long fangs, and wild hair. And her actions, like casting evil spells on innocent people or having a collection of human bones.
The setting plays a crucial role. An isolated place like an old castle or a deep, dark cave can be really scary. Also, the characters' helplessness adds to the horror. If they have no way to defend themselves against the evil force, like in a story where a group is trapped on a haunted island with no means of escape, it makes the story scarier.
A very scary ghost story needs a sense of the supernatural that defies normal explanation. It could be a ghost that can pass through walls or disappear into thin air. The atmosphere in the story should be thick with dread. This can be created by using descriptive language, like 'the air was heavy with a cold, clammy feeling'. The ghost's presence should be felt even when it's not directly seen, and the anticipation of its appearance should keep the reader or listener on edge.
Often, a very scary witch story has unexpected plot twists and a sense of impending doom. The witch might have a terrifying backstory that adds to the fear factor. Also, the characters' inability to escape her clutches makes it scarier.
The sense of being watched. When a character in a ghost story feels like there are eyes on them, but they can't see anything, it creates a lot of tension. Also, the idea of something being out of place, like a cold spot in a warm room. It gives the feeling that there is an otherworldly presence. Ghost stories often play on our basic fears of the dark and the afterlife, making them very terrifying.
The unknown factor. In very very scary ghost stories, we don't know what the ghost will do. It could appear suddenly, touch you, or just give you a feeling of being watched. This lack of control and knowledge is what scares us.