One key factor is the ability to create a sense of dread in the reader. It can do this through unexpected twists and turns. A good horror story can make you jump out of your skin with a sudden shock. Like in 'Psycho', the sudden murder in the shower scene was so unexpected and terrifying.
A 'world best story' often has engaging characters. They are the heart of the story. If readers can relate to them or be intrigued by them, it's a great start. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby's complex character draws readers in.
A great short horror story often has a strong and unexpected twist. For example, in 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, the ending reveals that the years of hard work to replace the lost necklace were for a fake one. This sudden revelation is what makes it memorable.
For a horror game story to be the best, it should have a great build - up of tension. In 'Dead Space', the slow - creeping feeling as you explore the derelict spaceship, with strange noises and things moving in the dark, creates a great atmosphere. And the plot twists are important. Just when you think you know what's going on, like in 'Fatal Frame', something unexpected happens that throws you off and makes the horror even more intense.
A great short horror story often has a strong sense of unease from the start. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the description of the wallpaper and the narrator's fixation on it immediately sets a creepy mood. It also needs a good twist, like in 'The Landlady' where the seemingly kind landlady has some very dark secrets.
A 'best - prepared' horror story often has characters who are well - equipped or have some form of knowledge or protection going into the situation. For example, if the story involves a haunted house, the characters might have brought religious items like crosses or holy water, or they could be experienced ghost hunters with all kinds of high - tech equipment. This makes the situation seem more real and the impending doom more terrifying because they still might not be able to overcome the horror despite their preparations.
A 'world's best story' might have a really engaging plot. It could be full of unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. For example, a mystery story where the clues are slowly revealed and every new discovery makes you want to read more.
In the story, perhaps it's their ability to truly understand patients. If a psychologist can empathize deeply and get to the root of a person's issues, that could make them the best.
The best horror story is often terrifying because it plays on our deepest fears. It might involve things like the unknown, death, or the loss of control. For example, a story set in a haunted house where strange noises and apparitions keep appearing, and the characters have no idea how to escape. It creates a sense of dread that makes our hearts race.
The atmosphere. Cthulhu stories often have a very oppressive and gloomy atmosphere. It makes you feel as if there is something lurking just out of sight, and that you are in a world that is on the verge of collapsing into chaos. This kind of atmosphere is what really sets it apart in the horror genre.
Suspense is key. A good short horror story keeps you on the edge of your seat, like not knowing what's lurking in the dark. For instance, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the mystery around the paw's powers and what will happen when wishes are made builds great suspense.