Yes, they do. Scary stories often contain strange and unexpected things happening. For example, in many horror tales, there might be unexplained disappearances, strange noises in the middle of the night, or the appearance of terrifying creatures. These elements create the sense of fear and unease that are characteristic of scary stories.
These things happen in scary stories because they tap into our primal fears. We are afraid of the unknown, and when things like ghosts or demons appear in a story, it plays on that fear. Also, it adds an element of mystery. In a lot of scary stories, there's a mystery to be solved, like why a particular place is haunted or what a certain symbol means. The strange happenings are part of that mystery, and they keep the audience engaged as they try to figure out what's really going on.
In some horror tales, a character might hear three knocks at the door, then see three strange shadows, and finally find three dead animals. It creates a sense of escalating dread.
Well, it might be related to the psychological concept of the 'rule of three'. In many cultures, three is considered a significant number. In scary stories, it creates a feeling of anticipation. For example, the first bad thing makes the reader or listener a bit uneasy, the second one heightens the anxiety, and the third one often delivers the final shock. It's like a crescendo in music, leading to a more impactful horror experience.
In a scary story, things like strange noises at night often happen. For example, in many haunted house stories, people hear unexplained creaking sounds as if the old floorboards are being walked on by an unseen entity. It creates an immediate sense of dread.
If a scary neighbor starts following you around, it's really frightening. You don't know what they might do. They could be planning something bad. I knew someone whose neighbor followed her to the store and back home. She was so scared that she called the police. The whole situation made her feel very unsafe in her own neighborhood.
Ghostly apparitions are a common spooky thing. Just like in the story where a person saw a figure at the foot of the bed. Another is strange noises, like the scratching on the walls or the whispers. These noises can make you feel really uneasy and scared.
Running out of air unexpectedly is also a nightmare. There are accounts of snorkelers who misjudged the time they could stay underwater and found themselves gasping for air while still far from the surface. Another scary thing is getting lost underwater, especially in areas with poor visibility. Snorkelers may not be able to find their way back to the boat or the shore, which can cause a great deal of panic.
Getting lost and encountering strange, unexplained noises and apparitions like in the story of the lost hiker. It's terrifying to be alone in the vast wilderness with no idea what's making those noises.
When alone with your girlfriend in a haunted place, you might see apparitions. For example, a figure that looks like a person but fades away quickly. It can be extremely scary as it gives a sense of something otherworldly being present.