Well, in the best second - person novels, one characteristic is the high level of immersion. For example, in 'Bright Lights, Big City', the second - person perspective makes you feel like you are the character going through the wild nightlife and personal struggles. It creates a sense of immediacy.
Another excellent second - person novel is 'Choose Your Own Adventure' series. These books are unique in that they put the reader in control. The second - person narration forces the reader to make decisions for the character, which makes for a highly interactive and immersive reading experience.
Some of the best second person stories are those that create a strong sense of immersion. For example, in some horror stories written in second person, you are made to feel as if the danger is directly approaching you. It's a very effective way to build tension. The author describes the situation around you, the strange noises, and the growing sense of unease, all from your perspective.
One characteristic is the sense of immediacy. Since it's in second person, it makes the reader feel like they are in the middle of the action right away. For example, in a story about a dangerous adventure, the use of 'you' makes it seem like it's the reader's own adventure. Another characteristic is the ability to create a strong connection. It can make the reader feel closer to the narrator or the events in the story. Also, it often challenges the reader's perspective as they are put in the position of the 'you' in the story.
Second person novels have the distinct feature of making the reader a central part of the story. By using 'you', it creates a more intimate connection. The author can use this perspective to manipulate the reader's emotions more directly. For instance, if the story is about a difficult situation and it says 'you are in this dark alley, feeling scared', it makes the reader almost physically feel that fear. It also challenges the reader to think about how they would act in the situations described in the novel, which is a different kind of engagement compared to other narrative voices.
One great first - person horror novel is 'The Shining' by Stephen King. The main character, Jack Torrance, tells the story from his perspective. His descent into madness as he is haunted by the ghosts in the Overlook Hotel is terrifying. Another is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. The way the narrator tries to make sense of the ever - changing, impossible house creates a very spooky atmosphere.
A good starting point would be short online interactive second person stories. They are easy to access and usually have simple plots. For instance, there are some on Wattpad.
One characteristic is the high level of immersion. Since it addresses the reader as 'you', it can make the reader feel more directly involved in the story, like they are part of the action. For example, in 'Bright Lights, Big City', the reader can almost feel the exhaustion and confusion of the main character's nightlife.