In my opinion, a good scary story should be able to touch on our deepest fears. Fears like being alone, or the fear of the dark. It should also have a build - up of tension. Start with small, strange things happening, like a picture falling off the wall for no reason. Then, as the story progresses, it gets worse. Maybe the character starts to see things that aren't there, or hears voices. And finally, there should be a climax where the fear reaches its peak. After that, a good ending that leaves the reader or listener with a sense of unease, like they're not sure if it's really over.
Well, characters play a big part in a scary story. If you have a vulnerable character, like a child or an old person, it makes the danger seem more real. And then there are the antagonists. They can be supernatural beings like ghosts or vampires, or just really evil people. For instance, in the story of Dracula, Dracula himself is a terrifying antagonist. The setting also matters. A spooky old castle or a desolate graveyard can add to the scariness. The more details about these elements, the better the scary story.
Often, it could be the element of the unknown. In a 'dear abby scary story', things that are not fully explained or understood can be really terrifying. For example, if there's a strange figure that keeps appearing without any clear reason.
There is a story about a forest that was cursed. Legend had it that anyone who entered at midnight would be lost forever. A group of friends didn't believe it. So, they went into the forest at midnight. As soon as they entered, their phones stopped working, and they got separated. One of them saw a strange light and followed it. The light led him to a clearing where there was a figure in a black cloak. The figure turned around, and it had no face. He ran as fast as he could, and finally, he found his way out of the forest. But he was never the same again.
Well, in the 'Dear David' scary story, the way it's written makes it really scary. It might use a lot of details that seem ordinary at first but then take on a sinister meaning. For example, simple things like a note left by David or a strange sound he makes can be very creepy. Also, the fact that the narrator can't seem to get away from David, no matter what they do, adds to the terror.
The unknown. When there are things that are not fully explained or shown, it scares people. For example, in a haunted house story, if you just hear strange noises but don't see the source clearly, it creates a sense of fear. You start imagining all sorts of terrifying things.
What makes a scary story truly scary is the element of the unknown. When there are things that are left to the imagination, it scares people more. For example, in a story where there's a strange noise in the attic but you don't know what's causing it. It could be anything, and that uncertainty is terrifying.
Atmosphere is key. A spooky, desolate setting like a haunted forest or an old, abandoned mansion can set the mood for a scary story. In stories like 'Dracula', the Transylvanian setting with its dark castles and mist - covered landscapes adds to the overall feeling of dread. Moreover, unexpected twists and turns keep the reader or listener engaged and frightened. When a story takes an unexpected and terrifying turn, it catches us off - guard and sends shivers down our spines.
The setting plays a crucial role too. A spooky old mansion, like in many classic horror stories, can immediately set a scary mood. Take 'The Haunting of Hill House'. The big, old, and creaky Hill House is full of secrets and strange noises. It's a character in itself and makes the whole story scarier as the characters explore it and are haunted by its past and the things that lurk within.
A good scary story often has an element of the unknown. For example, in many horror stories, there are mysterious creatures or events that the characters can't immediately explain. This creates suspense and makes the reader or listener feel uneasy.
A good scary story often has an element of the unknown. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the family doesn't really know what the paw will do when they make a wish. It also helps to have a sense of impending doom. In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's growing paranoia creates this feeling. And a spooky setting can really add to it, like the old, creepy house in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'.
Creepy settings are key too. Take the cursed forest. The fact that it's always dark and the trees seem to move makes it a perfect backdrop for a scary story. It sets the mood and makes the reader or listener feel uneasy. Also, a sense of impending doom, like when the traveler in the forest saw the strange light and altar, and knew something bad was about to happen.