Well, in horror dream stories, there are often elements that play on our primal fears. For instance, the fear of the unknown. You might be in a place that seems familiar at first but then starts to change in strange and unexplainable ways. Another common element is the disruption of normalcy. Things like inanimate objects coming to life, like dolls or paintings. It's really creepy when something that's supposed to be lifeless suddenly has a life of its own and is often malevolent. And then there's the fear of losing control, like not being able to move or scream when faced with a terrifying entity.
One common element is the sense of isolation. For example, being alone in a big, spooky place like an abandoned house or a desolate forest. Another is the presence of something menacing, like a monster or a ghost. Darkness also plays a big role. It creates an atmosphere of mystery and fear. Strange noises are often included too, such as creaking floors or howling winds.
One common element is being in a strange or isolated place. For example, an old castle, a deserted alley, or a deep forest. This makes the dreamer feel alone and vulnerable. Also, distorted or abnormal creatures can be part of a scary dream story. These creatures can be a mix of different animals or have a very strange appearance that is not of this world. Additionally, a sense of helplessness where the dreamer can't escape or fight back is quite common.
Well, in a horror story, there are usually characters who are in a vulnerable situation. For example, they might be alone in a strange place. The use of darkness is also very common as it hides things and creates an atmosphere of fear. And often, there is a backstory of some sort of evil, whether it's a curse, a malevolent spirit, or a deranged killer. These elements work together to build up the horror factor.
One common element is unexpected structural problems. For example, a creaky floor that turns out to be a sign of a weak foundation.
One common element is the realization of being in a dream. This is like the starting point of adventure in a lucid dream short story. Another is the ability to control the dream environment. For example, changing a dark forest into a sunny meadow. Also, encountering strange or magical creatures, like fairies or talking animals. These elements add a sense of wonder and excitement to the story.
Darkness is a common element. It creates an immediate sense of unease and mystery, like in a story where the dreamer is lost in a pitch - black cave. Another is being chased. It gives a feeling of panic, such as being chased by a faceless figure through a maze. Strange noises also often feature, like creaking doors or howling winds that add to the spooky atmosphere.
One of the common horror elements could be the intelligence of ravens. They are known to be quite smart, and in a horror story, this intelligence might be used in a menacing way. For example, they could be leading the protagonist into danger or be part of some dark plot. Another element might be their sudden appearance. A flock of ravens descending suddenly can be very startling and add to the horror.
In 'the homeowner horror story', often there are issues like pest infestations. Imagine coming home to find your kitchen full of cockroaches or mice. Then there's the nightmare of property value dropping due to external factors like a new landfill being built nearby. And don't forget about problems with the local authorities, like getting unfair property tax assessments.
One common element is the element of surprise. Monsters often appear suddenly, like the werewolf in the story I told earlier. Another is the isolated setting, such as an old mansion or a desolate forest. This creates a sense of helplessness for the characters. Darkness is also a key factor. It hides the true form of the monster and adds to the fear factor. For example, in the Bloody Mary story, the dimly lit bathroom added to the spookiness. And there's usually a protagonist who is in the wrong place at the wrong time, like the fisherman in the sea - monster story.