One of the common main characters is the investigator or the scholar type. They are often the ones who stumble upon the dark secrets. For instance, in some stories, an archaeologist might dig too deep and find something he shouldn't have.
The scariest elements often include the unknown and the cosmic horror. Lovecraft's stories often deal with entities that are beyond human comprehension, like the Great Old Ones. Their mere existence challenges our understanding of the universe and our place in it, which is truly terrifying.
Some of the best Lovecraft stories include 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It's a classic that introduced the terrifying Cthulhu entity. Another great one is 'At the Mountains of Madness', which takes readers on a chilling journey to Antarctica. 'The Shadow over Innsmouth' is also highly regarded, with its disturbing themes and unique setting.
Lovecraft's detailed descriptions also play a big role. For example, in 'At the Mountains of Madness', he describes the grotesque and strange creatures in great detail. The way they look, move, and interact with the environment is both fascinating and horrifying. Also, his use of dark and isolated settings, such as the Antarctic in that story or the strange town in 'The Shadow over Innsmouth', adds to the sense of horror. There's a feeling of being cut off from the normal world and being at the mercy of these unknown terrors.
I would say 'The Rats in the Walls' is also a very good horror story by Lovecraft. The idea of the rats in the walls being more than just normal vermin, and the dark secrets they seem to be associated with, creates a sense of claustrophobic horror. The protagonist's descent into madness as he discovers more about his family's past is quite disturbing.
One of the best Lovecraft stories is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It introduced the iconic Cthulhu entity. The story builds a sense of dread through its descriptions of cults and the unknown. Another great one is 'At the Mountains of Madness', which takes readers on a chilling exploration in Antarctica, uncovering ancient and terrifying secrets. And 'The Shadow over Innsmouth' is also notable for its unique atmosphere and the concept of the Deep Ones.
Definitely 'The Dunwich Horror'. It involves a family in Dunwich and their connection to some dark and powerful forces. Lovecraft was a master at creating a sense of dread and the unknown, and these stories are prime examples of his work. His use of cosmic horror elements, like the idea that humans are insignificant in the face of the vast and unknowable universe, really makes these stories stand out.
Lovecraft's short stories are renowned for their unique blend of horror and the macabre. 'The Call of Cthulhu' is a standout, introducing the terrifying Cthulhu entity. It creates a sense of cosmic dread that few other stories can match. Another great one is 'At the Mountains of Madness', which takes readers on a chilling journey to the Antarctic. The vivid descriptions of the alien landscapes and the ancient, otherworldly beings make it a must - read for any Lovecraft fan.
Well, 'The Shadow over Innsmouth' is likely among them. It tells a dark story of a strange town and its inhabitants with a disturbing underwater connection. Also, 'The Colour Out of Space' is a great one. It depicts a strange, other - dimensional color that infects a rural area, causing all sorts of unnatural and terrifying phenomena.