Well, often it's the unexpected. Let's say you're in a normal situation and suddenly something completely out of the ordinary occurs. For instance, you're driving on a familiar road and all of a sudden, a figure appears in the middle of the road that wasn't there a second ago. Also, a sense of foreboding. When there's an atmosphere that something bad is going to happen, like a dark and stormy night before a strange event. And things that violate the natural order, like objects moving on their own without any explanation.
Elements that make a scary real story? First, the setting can be crucial. An old, dilapidated building with a dark history is very effective. Second, the appearance of something that defies logic. Maybe a door that locks itself when no one is near or a light that turns on and off by itself. Third, the psychological aspect. If there's a feeling of guilt or a premonition related to the events, it can make the story scarier. For example, if someone enters a place they were warned not to and then strange things start to happen.
One element is the unknown. For example, if something strange is happening but you can't figure out what it is, like strange noises at night without an obvious source. Another is isolation. When a person is alone in a spooky place, like a big empty house or a deserted forest, it adds to the scariness. And also the sense of being watched. If you feel like there are eyes on you but you can't see anyone, it can be really terrifying.
One element is a feeling of being watched. When you get that creepy sensation that someone or something has its eyes on you, but you can't see what it is. It's very unsettling. Danger also plays a part. If you're in a situation where you feel your safety is at risk, like being lost in a dangerous neighborhood at night. And the element of the supernatural. Even if you're not a superstitious person, when something seems to defy the laws of nature, it can be really scary. For instance, lights flickering without any electrical problems.
Unusual events that seem to defy explanation can make a real life story scary. Take the case of objects moving on their own in a house. There's no logical reason for it, and it gives people the creeps. Another element is the feeling of being watched when there's no one around.
The unknown. When there are things that can't be explained, like strange noises in an empty house. For example, if you hear creaking floors but no one is there. Also, a sense of being watched. It gives you the feeling that there's something there that you can't see. And apparitions, like seeing a figure out of the corner of your eye that vanishes when you look directly at it.
One element is the unknown. For example, in a story where one partner seems to have a secret past that they won't share, and there are strange events related to it. It creates a sense of unease and fear. Like if a new lover has a locked room in their house that they never let you enter, and you hear strange noises coming from it.
One element is unrequited love. For example, when one person loves another deeply but the feeling is not mutual. Another is external circumstances like family opposition or social differences. For instance, if a couple from different social classes are not allowed to be together by their families. Also, loss, such as when a loved one passes away, can make a love story extremely sad.
One element is the setting. Dark and isolated places like an old cemetery or a haunted house can be really scary. For example, a story set in a derelict asylum where the walls are crumbling and there are strange noises coming from the empty rooms. Another element is the unknown. When there are things that the characters (and the readers) can't explain, it creates fear. Like a strange figure that disappears when you look directly at it. Also, the use of suspense. If a story builds up tension slowly, for instance, by having a character hear footsteps getting closer and closer but not knowing what's causing them, it makes the story scarier.
One element is its appearance. For example, if a dog has matted fur, bloodshot eyes, and bared teeth, it immediately looks menacing. Another is its behavior. If it growls constantly, stalks people, or chases them without any obvious reason, that's scary. Also, the context matters. If the dog is in a spooky place like an old, abandoned building or a dark forest, it adds to the scariness.
Ghosts are a common element. They can appear as translucent figures, making the air cold around them. Another element is old, spooky locations like abandoned houses or cemeteries. These places have an air of mystery and death. Also, strange noises are often in scary Halloween stories, like creaking doors or howling winds that add to the sense of unease.
Dark and isolated locations are common. Like old mansions in the middle of nowhere, deep forests, or abandoned asylums. These places create a sense of unease and mystery. Another element is the presence of an unknown or malevolent force. It could be a ghost, a witch, or a demon. Strange noises also play a big part. Creaking floors, whispering voices, or howling winds that seem to carry a message. Unnatural phenomena are often included too, such as objects moving on their own or lights flickering without a reason.
One element is the use of the unknown. When kids don't know what's going to happen next or what a certain thing is, it creates fear. For instance, a strange light in the attic that no one can explain. Also, there are often things that go against the normal rules of the world, like a doll that can move on its own or a cat that can talk. These abnormal things add to the scariness. And there's usually a moment of high tension, like when the main character is face - to - face with the scary thing and has to figure out a way to escape.