What makes nightmare scary stories so terrifying?

The real - life aspect. These stories often claim to be based on true events, which makes them scarier. We know that things like haunted houses and cursed objects can potentially exist in our world.

The realism in Mr Nightmare's stories makes them terrifying. These are not fictional horror tales but things that actually happened to people. For example, the way normal people are thrown into these strange and often dangerous situations that defy explanation.

The unknown. In real nightmare short stories, often the scariest part is not knowing what's going to happen next. Like in a story where a character is in a pitch - black room and hears strange noises but has no idea what's making them.

The number 666 is often associated with the devil in many cultures. So, when it's part of a story, it immediately gives a sense of the presence of evil. For example, if a story involves a place marked with 666, our minds automatically think of it as a cursed or haunted location.

The sense of helplessness makes really scary nightmare stories terrifying. In these stories, the characters often find themselves unable to escape or fight back. The girl in the attic couldn't run away, and the camper in the woods was trapped in his tent. This lack of control over the situation taps into our deepest fears, as we all like to feel in control in real life.

One thing that makes a nightmare short story terrifying is the sense of helplessness. The protagonists usually find themselves in situations where they have little control. For instance, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the family is at the mercy of the paw's wishes and the consequences that come with them. The unexpected twists and turns, like in 'The Black Cat' where the narrator's actions spiral out of control, also contribute to the nightmarish quality.

The use of the supernatural is a big factor. There are ghosts, curses, and otherworldly creatures. These things go against the normal laws of nature that we are used to. When a character in the story is haunted by a vengeful spirit that can pass through walls and cause harm, it sends shivers down our spines. The story about the poltergeist that throws things around and terrifies a family is a great example of how the supernatural creates fear.

The unknown element makes them scary. In really terrifying stories, often there are things that are not fully explained. For example, in a story about a haunted doll, we don't really know how it can move on its own or why it seems to have a malevolent presence. It's this mystery that sends chills down our spines.

The unknown elements often make them scary. When details are left to the imagination, our minds can create the most horrifying scenarios.

The unknown factor makes vondoom scary stories so terrifying. In these stories, there are often elements that are not fully explained. For example, a strange noise in the night or an unexplained figure in the corner. Our minds tend to fill in the blanks with the scariest possibilities.