The use of suspense is a key factor. Horror stories build up tension gradually. They keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for something bad to happen. Take 'Psycho' for instance. The slow build - up as Marion Crane drives to the Bates Motel, not knowing what awaits her, creates a sense of unease that lasts throughout the movie.
The unknown elements in a horror story often make it terrifying. It could be an unseen monster, a strange noise in the dark, or a mystery that the characters are trying to solve. For example, in 'The Shining', the empty hotel with its long corridors and locked rooms is full of the unknown. You don't know what's lurking around the corner, and that's what sends shivers down your spine.
One factor is often the atmosphere. In a classic horror story, the setting is usually dark and gloomy. For example, in 'Dracula', the old, spooky castle with its hidden passages and creaking floors sets a terrifying mood. Another aspect is the unknown. The monsters or threats are often not fully understood at first, like the unseen creature in 'The Call of Cthulhu' that drives people mad just by its very existence. Also, the vulnerability of the characters makes it scarier. When the hero or heroine is alone and seemingly helpless against the horror, it amps up the fear factor for the reader.
A horror story can be truly terrifying when it taps into our deepest fears. For example, the fear of death, the fear of losing loved ones, or the fear of being alone in a dangerous situation. It could also be the way the horror is presented, like slow - building tension. Instead of throwing all the scares at once, it gradually builds up the sense of danger. The use of suspenseful music or sound effects in movies or the right choice of words in a written story can also enhance this feeling of terror.
The fear of the unknown. In a horror story, we often don't know what's lurking in the shadows or what will happen next. It's this uncertainty that sends shivers down our spines.
The unknown elements in a real horror story are what make it terrifying. For example, in a haunted house story, not knowing exactly what the ghost looks like or what it wants. It plays on our fears of the unseen.
The psychological aspect. It plays on our deepest fears of the unknown, the supernatural. The idea of a possession, where a person loses control of their own body and mind, is deeply disturbing.
Maybe it's the unknown elements in the 'Rep 63 Horror Story'. Often, in horror stories, it's the things we can't predict or understand that scare us the most. It could be some kind of strange creature or a series of unexplainable events that send shivers down our spines.
In 'the watcher horror story', the element of psychological horror is strong. The watcher could be anyone, lurking in the shadows. It plays on our fears of being observed without our knowledge. For example, the main characters might feel a presence but never actually see the watcher clearly, which heightens the fear factor.
The violation of self - identity. Our reflection is a symbol of who we are. When it goes wrong, it makes us question our very existence. For example, if the reflection has a different personality or starts to act independently, it feels like our self - is being invaded. It's like something is taking over the part of us that we see as most familiar and safe. Also, the fact that it often happens in a very personal and private space, like a bathroom or bedroom, where we are supposed to be alone and in control, makes it even more terrifying.
The psychological aspect plays a huge role. These stories often target our deepest fears, like the fear of being alone, the fear of the dark, or the fear of something lurking just out of sight. They play with our minds, making us question what's real and what's not. For example, in many 'anal horror' tales, the characters start to doubt their own sanity as the horror unfolds around them. This self - doubt and the feeling of being trapped in a terrifying situation is what makes them so terrifying.