An incubus creates fear in horror stories in several ways. Firstly, the idea of a malevolent being entering your most private and vulnerable state - sleep - is terrifying. It can also represent a threat to one's chastity or mental well - being. The unknown nature of what it might do while in this intimate encounter in the dream world adds to the fear. Moreover, the incubus is often part of a larger supernatural world in horror stories, and its presence might signal other, even greater threats lurking in the shadows.
In horror stories, an incubus creates fear through multiple means. The very concept of a supernatural entity that targets individuals while they are asleep is a major source of fear. Sleep is a time when we are defenseless, and the incubus takes advantage of this. It often has a menacing appearance and is associated with dark and immoral actions. The thought of it using its charm to lure and then harm the victim is very frightening. Additionally, the fact that it is part of the world of demons and the unknown in horror lore makes it a symbol of all that is feared in the unseen and the unholy.
The structure creates fear by starting with the normal. When readers see a normal situation turn bad, it makes them fear for their own normal lives. For example, if a story starts in a peaceful neighborhood and then murders start happening, it makes the reader think 'this could happen to me'. The build - up of suspense also plays a big role. The more the characters discover and the more questions are raised, the more the reader feels on edge.
In the structure, the build - up of events is crucial. It starts with normal things, then slowly adds in abnormal elements. Like first a character has a normal day, but then they find a strange object. As the story goes on, more and more strange things happen around that object, making the fear grow. Also, the way the horror is revealed bit by bit, like a shadow slowly taking shape, is very effective in creating fear.
Paranormal horror fiction creates fear through the unknown. For example, ghosts and spirits are often used. We don't really understand what they are or what they can do, so it scares us. Strange noises, apparitions, and things moving on their own all play on our fear of the unexplained.
Horror stories create fear mainly by playing on our primal fears. Things like the dark, the unknown, and death are common elements in horror. They tap into our subconscious and bring out those deep - seated fears. For instance, a story set in a pitch - black forest at night where the protagonist can't see what's lurking around them is terrifying. Additionally, unexpected twists and turns can create fear. Just when the reader thinks the character is safe, something horrible happens, like a sudden appearance of a ghost or a serial killer. Sound is also important in horror stories, whether it's the creaking of a door or a blood - curdling scream, it adds to the overall sense of fear.
Horror series and stories often use the unknown to create fear. For example, in a lot of horror stories, there are mysterious noises in the dark. We don't know what's making those noises, and that scares us. In horror series like 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old, creaky house is full of secrets that we gradually discover, but the anticipation of what we might find next is what keeps us on edge.
A psychological horror novel creates fear mainly through messing with the reader's mind. It often uses elements like unreliable narrators. For example, in 'The Shining', we're not always sure if what Jack is experiencing is real or just in his head. This makes the reader question what's true and what's not, which is scary. Another way is by playing on common fears such as the fear of the unknown. In 'Psycho', we don't really know what Norman Bates has done until later in the story, and that anticipation builds fear.
By its appearance. The distorted face and strange makeup can be really scary.
The unknown entity doing the possessing is also a big factor. We don't know what it wants or how far it will go. For example, in 'The Exorcist', the demon's motives are unclear at first, and its power is terrifying. The grotesque changes in the possessed character's behavior, like unnatural contortions and speaking in strange voices, add to the horror. The idea that this could happen to anyone makes it even scarier.
Supernatural horror fiction creates fear in multiple ways. First, it plays on our primal fears. Things like death, the afterlife, and the existence of evil spirits are deeply ingrained in our psyche. By bringing these to the forefront in stories, it scares us. Second, it uses suspense. Writers build up tension, making us wonder what will happen next. For instance, in a story about a haunted house, we keep waiting for the next terrifying encounter. Third, the use of supernatural elements that violate the laws of nature, such as vampires that can't die or witches with powerful magic, makes us feel vulnerable and thus fearful.
By making the threat seem real. If the horror story is set in a normal, everyday place like a suburban neighborhood, it makes it more relatable. And when the danger starts to unfold there, it's scarier. Also, they use jump scares. A sudden loud noise or a quick appearance of something terrifying can startle the audience. And the use of atmosphere is crucial. A dark, dank, and silent setting can make you feel on edge even before anything really bad happens.