The settings in the stories can be a horror element too. Dark, isolated places are often described, like deep forests where the Great God Pan is associated with. These settings create a spooky atmosphere, making it seem that danger could lurk anywhere, and the characters are always on the verge of encountering something terrifying.
The themes include the power of the past. In 'The Great God Pan is Dead and Other Horror Stories', the past seems to have a lingering and often malevolent influence. It can be in the form of old legends like that of Pan coming back to haunt the present. Also, the theme of mortality is present. The death of the great god Pan might be seen as a metaphor for the inescapability of death, and how we as humans react to the knowledge of our own mortality through fear and dread.
Since I haven't read every single story in detail, it's hard to name all the main characters. But typically, there are often ordinary humans who find themselves in extraordinary and terrifying situations. These characters are usually the ones through whom we experience the horror of the stories.
The way it builds suspense in the stories is also a big influence. 'Great God Pan and Other Horror Stories' often slowly reveals the horror, which makes the readers' anticipation and fear grow steadily. Many modern horror novels and short stories use this technique to keep the readers engaged.
One of the well - known 'The Great God Pan' horror novels is Arthur Machen's 'The Great God Pan' itself. It is a classic in the horror genre that delves into the idea of a pagan god and the terrors that its awakening can bring. It often plays with themes of the unknown, the power of ancient entities, and the fragility of the human mind when faced with such ineffable horrors.
There may be other contemporary authors who have been inspired by Machen's 'The Great God Pan' and have written works with similar themes. However, they are not as well - known as Machen in this specific regard. Machen was a pioneer in exploring the idea of this ancient god in the context of horror literature, and his influence can be seen in the works of later horror writers who also deal with themes of pagan deities and the unknown.
Compared to some other anthologies, 'The Third Pan Book of Horror Stories' seems to focus more on psychological horror. Many of the stories play with the characters' minds, which is more terrifying in a way than just gore or jump scares.
Since I don't know the exact content of the 'pan book of horror stories', it's hard to say. But it could have a brave detective as a main character who is trying to solve the mystery behind a series of strange deaths in a spooky mansion.
Many of them might have a spooky setting, like an old mansion or a dark alley. These settings create an immediate sense of unease.
A great horror story often has a spooky setting, like an old, creaky mansion or a desolate forest. It also needs a menacing antagonist, such as a serial killer or a supernatural entity. And a sense of suspense is crucial. For example, in 'The Shining', the haunted Overlook Hotel is a perfect spooky setting, and Jack's slow descent into madness as the antagonist keeps the readers on edge.
Well, without having read 'the fifth pan book of horror stories', it's hard to be precise. However, horror books often have stories that play on our deepest fears. It could have stories where the ordinary turns into the extraordinary and terrifying, like a normal street that becomes a place of nightmares at night.