What are the characteristics of long scary stories?

One characteristic is the slow build - up of suspense. In a long story, there's more time to gradually increase the feeling of unease. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the author slowly reveals the strange happenings in the house, making the readers' anticipation and fear grow over time.

A sense of the unknown is very common. Long demonic scary stories usually take place in dark, isolated settings like old castles or abandoned asylums. The reader doesn't know what lurks in the shadows, which adds to the fear. They also tend to build tension slowly. The author might start with small, strange occurrences that gradually escalate into full - blown demonic chaos.

A key characteristic is the use of atmosphere. Long ghost stories can really develop a thick, spooky atmosphere. Through descriptions of the weather, like a constant fog or a howling wind, and the sounds in the environment, such as creaking floorboards or distant moans. In 'Dracula', the Transylvanian setting with its dark castles and wild landscapes sets a very ominous mood. Also, long stories can have multiple plot twists. Just when the reader thinks they understand the nature of the ghost or the mystery, something new and unexpected is revealed, like in 'Ghost Story' by Peter Straub, which keeps the readers on the edge of their seats throughout the long narrative.

Long scary horror stories often have a slow - building atmosphere. They start by introducing characters and a setting that seems normal at first, but then gradually introduce elements of the unknown and the terrifying. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old mansion is initially presented as just an old building, but as the story progresses, the strange noises and apparitions start to appear.

They often have an interesting setting. For example, a spooky old house or a dark forest. This creates an immediate sense of unease.

They often have complex plots. Since they are long, there is more room to develop intricate storylines, like in 'Dracula' where Bram Stoker weaves multiple character arcs and different locations together to create a sense of all - encompassing horror. Another characteristic is the slow - burn build - up of tension. In really long scary novels, the author can take time to gradually increase the sense of dread. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson, the strange happenings around the house are slowly revealed, making the reader more and more afraid as the story progresses.

They probably have a strong atmosphere. It could be a dark and gloomy setting, like an old cemetery or an abandoned asylum. These settings add to the overall spookiness and make the events seem more terrifying. For instance, in a story set in an abandoned asylum, the creaking floors and peeling walls create a very eerie backdrop for the scary events that unfold.

These stories usually set a spooky mood at the beginning. Maybe with a description of a dark and quiet place. However, the danger or the 'scary' part is not extreme. In the case of the old house on the hill, the shadowy figure seems scary but is quickly debunked as just a tree branch's shadow. This makes it just enough to give you a bit of a chill but not keep you up at night in fear.

One characteristic is the use of suspense. It keeps readers or listeners on edge, not knowing what will happen next. For example, in many horror stories, there are strange noises or events at the beginning that make you wonder what's causing them.

Long stories often have complex plots. They usually involve multiple characters with different motives and personalities. For example, in 'A Tale of Two Cities', there are many characters like Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay, and the plot weaves through the French Revolution. Long stories also tend to cover a wide range of themes. They can explore love, death, power, and morality all in one. Additionally, they may span different locations and time periods, adding to their richness.