A common element is the use of the environment to build horror. If you're in a dilapidated building, the creaking floors, peeling paint, and broken windows all add to the horror. In a 2nd person horror story, it makes you feel like you are right there in that spooky place. Additionally, the presence of something supernatural or unexplained is typical. It could be a ghostly apparition, a strange force, or an inhuman sound that defies explanation and terrifies you.
You're in an abandoned asylum. The smell of decay fills the air. You enter a room filled with old, rusty beds. As you walk further in, you notice the door shutting behind you. There's no handle on this side. Suddenly, you see a figure in the corner. It's hunched over and seems to be muttering to itself. You try to call out, but your voice catches in your throat. The figure slowly turns towards you, its eyes glowing in the dark, and you realize you're trapped with this unknown horror.
Well, one common element is the sense of being watched. You know, when a person is all by themselves and they feel like there are eyes on them. Also, the element of helplessness. If you're alone, there's no one to help you when something bad happens. And then there's often some sort of strange or unexplainable phenomenon, like objects moving on their own or a cold breeze when there are no open windows or doors.
In a 2nd person short story, one key element is the direct address to the reader as 'you'. This immediately involves the reader in the story, making them feel like a part of the action. Another element could be a simple yet engaging plot. Since it's a short story, it doesn't have much space to be overly complex. For example, it might focus on a single event or a short period of time in the 'you' character's life. Also, vivid descriptions are important. They help to create the world around the 'you' character, whether it's a physical location or an emotional state.
One common element is a sense of isolation. For example, the protagonist is often alone in a spooky place like an old house or a dark forest. Another element is the unknown. Strange noises, shadows that move on their own, and things that can't be easily explained. Fear of the dark is also common. When the protagonist is in a dimly lit or completely dark area, it heightens the tension. Also, a feeling of being watched or followed by an unseen entity is often present.
Costumes are common. Like in 2nd grade, kids often dress up as witches, vampires or superheroes. Also, trick - or - treating is a big part. They go around houses to get candies. And friends are usually involved, as kids like to go with their friends on Halloween.
One common element is body shaming. Fat people often face mean comments about their appearance, which can be really hurtful.
The main elements are really about immersion. You need to put the reader right in the middle of the action. So, that means describing things in a way that is immediate. For instance, instead of saying 'He saw a beautiful view', in 2nd person it would be 'You see a beautiful view that takes your breath away.' And the plot should be something that the 'you' can drive forward. It can't be too passive. You have to be the one making decisions, like 'You decide to turn left at the fork in the road, not knowing what lies ahead.'
A 2nd person free story is a type of narrative that uses the second - person point of view ('you') without many restrictions. It allows the reader to be directly addressed and involved in the story in a more immediate way. For example, 'You walk down the dark alley, and you can feel the cold wind on your face. You hear strange noises coming from the corners.'
One common theme is the sense of adventure. Since in 2nd person, you're sort of thrust into the action, it often focuses on going on hunts with the Winchesters. Another theme is the exploration of relationships. You get to experience how it would be to form a bond with characters like Castiel or Bobby.
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.