What are the elements that make the Scary Lake Story so scary?

Well, for one, a friendly or relatable character. Like in a story with a curious kid who faces something unknown but isn't too afraid. Another element is a non - threatening setting. For example, a bright and colorful forest rather than a dark, gloomy one. Also, the 'scary' thing should have a simple and non - menacing explanation. Such as a strange sound being just a creaky floorboard and not some evil spirit.

The element of the unknown. In a short 2 - minute story, not having all the answers makes it scarier. For example, in a story about a strange noise in the basement, not knowing what's making the noise creates fear. Also, sudden and unexpected events like a door slamming shut on its own can startle the listener.

For the first story, the sense of the unknown makes it scary. Like the shadowy figure in the abandoned house, we don't know what it is or what it wants. In the second story, the unexpected and the grotesque are key. The pale face rising from the well when you expect just a splash is terrifying. For the third story, being trapped and surrounded by the dark figures in the cabin creates a feeling of helplessness. All three stories also use elements of isolation. Whether it's the boy alone at the abandoned house, the girl by the well, or the hiker in the forest cabin, being alone in a spooky situation amps up the fear.

The unknown is a big factor. For example, in stories about old, uncharted places in Panama like forgotten ruins or deep jungles, we don't know what's really there. Also, the idea of angry spirits, like in stories of cursed places where spirits are said to be seeking revenge for past wrongs. Another element is the isolation. Panama has many remote areas, and when a scary event is set in these isolated spots, it gives a feeling of being alone and helpless against the unknown horror.

The unexpectedness also plays a role. If a smiley suddenly changes its expression or appears in a place where it shouldn't be. Say, in a derelict building where you expect only gloom and then you see a bright, but somehow wrong - looking smiley. It gives a sense of unease and fear. Another aspect could be the color. A bright, vivid smiley in a very dull and dreary, maybe blood - stained setting can be really creepy.

The use of local folklore and superstitions. For example, the idea of vengeful spirits like La Llorona is deeply rooted in Mexican culture. People are already familiar with these concepts, so when they are used in a story, it adds an extra layer of fear because it feels real and close to home.

The historical context can be a frightening element. Lincoln's time was filled with great turmoil, like the Civil War. So a scary story might use the backdrop of war, death, and the uncertainty of the nation's future. For example, if it involves a soldier who had a premonition related to Lincoln and something terrifying ensued.

A sense of impending doom is a great element too. If the characters in the story keep getting signs that something bad is going to happen, like in a story where a family keeps finding dead birds on their doorstep before a series of strange events start to occur. This makes the readers or listeners feel on edge and scared.

A key element is the build-up of tension and suspense. When you don't know what's coming next, it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Its appearance. Ravens are black and have a rather large and imposing size. Their beady eyes seem to be always watching, which can be quite unnerving.