The unexpected and cruel nature of the lottery in the story makes it scary. People blindly follow the tradition of the lottery, which ends with a stoning. It's terrifying to think that a community would carry out such a brutal act in the name of tradition without much question.
In 'The Lottery', Tessie Hutchinson stands out as a main character. At first, she is just like the other villagers, casually participating in the lottery. But when she realizes she is the one chosen, she protests. Mr. Summers, who is in charge of the lottery process, is also a key figure. His role in carrying out this age - old but cruel tradition shows how some people uphold the status quo without thinking about the morality. And there are other villagers too, whose collective actions and acceptance of the lottery are quite telling about the society in the story.
There was a case where a lottery winner's identity was leaked. As a result, she started getting strange letters and calls. Some were from con - artists trying to trick her into giving away her money, and others were just creepy threats from envious people. It was so scary that she had to move to a different place and change her identity.
The lottery in the story works in a very primitive and cruel way. Everyone participates, and the one whose name is drawn is chosen as the victim with no clear reason or logic behind it. It seems to be a blindly followed ritual without any real purpose.
To be honest, I can't recall who wins the lottery precisely in that short story. It's a story that keeps you guessing until the end. Maybe you should give it a read and figure it out for yourself.