What are the common elements in very scary short horror stories?

One common element is the sense of isolation. For example, like the girl alone at home in the first story. Another is the unknown or the mysterious. The figure in the cemetery was very mysterious. And often there is a sense of something being not right in a familiar place, like the attic in the third story.

One common element is the sense of isolation. For example, in many stories the characters are alone in a spooky place like a haunted house or a deserted forest. Another is the unexpected. A sudden noise or a strange figure appearing out of nowhere can create a lot of fear. Also, the unknown. When there are things that the characters (and the readers) can't explain, it adds to the scariness.

Often, there is a sense of isolation. The characters are usually alone, which intensifies the horror. Take a story where a person is alone in an old lighthouse. The howling wind outside and the strange noises within create a feeling of dread. Also, the element of the unknown past, like a long - forgotten curse or a tragic event that haunts the place, is frequently seen.

One common theme is the unknown. For example, in many stories, there are unexplained noises or figures in the dark that create fear because we don't know what they are. Another theme is death. Stories often revolve around sudden or unexpected deaths, like in 'The Lottery'. Isolation is also a theme. When characters are alone, whether in a big empty house or in the woods, it makes them more vulnerable and the situation scarier.

One common element is the use of the unknown. For example, in many horror stories, there are strange noises or shadowy figures that the characters can't immediately identify. This creates a sense of mystery and fear. Another is the isolation of the characters. If they are alone in a spooky place like an old mansion or a dark forest, it heightens the sense of danger. Also, the element of the supernatural often plays a big role. Ghosts, demons, or otherworldly creatures add to the scariness.

Isolation is a common theme. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the woman is isolated in a room and that isolation drives her to madness. Another theme is the supernatural. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the cursed monkey's paw with its ability to grant wishes in a twisted way represents the supernatural. Revenge can also be a theme, like in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' where the guilt of the murder seems like a form of revenge as the killer is haunted by the victim's heartbeat.

One common element is the feeling of being constantly watched. In many stalker stories, the victim realizes that someone is observing their every move, like where they go, what they do, and who they meet. This creates a sense of paranoia.

One common element is the unknown. For example, in many stories like 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the main character is in a situation where she doesn't understand what's really going on, and that mystery creates fear. Another element is isolation. In 'The Lighthouse', the two lighthouse keepers are isolated from the rest of the world, which heightens the sense of dread when strange things start to happen. Also, death is often involved, whether it's an impending death like in 'The Masque of the Red Death' or a past death that haunts the present, as in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'.

One common element is the use of dark and isolated settings like old houses, forests, or abandoned places. These create a sense of unease and helplessness. Another is the presence of the unknown or the supernatural. It could be ghosts, demons, or some unexplained force. Also, sudden noises and unexpected events are often used to startle the reader or listener, like a door slamming shut when no one else is around.

Another element is the presence of old or forgotten things. There are usually old boxes, dusty furniture, and portraits in the attic. These items can hold secrets or be a source of the horror. For example, a cursed object hidden in an old box that unleashes evil when disturbed. Also, the attic often has a sense of mystery. It's a place that's not often visited, so when something strange occurs, it's even scarier because it's unexpected and unexplored territory.