What are some elements that make 'a very scary story' really scary?

The sense of the unknown around it. For example, where did the hairy toe come from? Is it part of something bigger or more sinister? And if it starts to move on its own, like it has a life of its own, that's really scary. Also, the physical features such as the hair and if it's dirty or discolored can add to the horror factor. If it leaves some kind of mark or trail as it moves, it makes the whole situation seem more real and terrifying.

The appearance of the clown is crucial. A face with overly large features like big, bulging eyes and a wide, distorted smile can be very intimidating. Also, the way the clown moves while dancing. If it's jerky or in an unnatural way, like it's not fully in control of its body, that adds to the scariness. For example, in many scary clown stories, the clown might twitch while dancing.

Well, first of all, the atmosphere plays a big role. A really scary short story often has a tense, foreboding atmosphere. This can be created through the use of descriptive language, like 'the air was thick with a musty smell and an unspoken dread'. Second, the characters should be relatable so that the reader can put themselves in their shoes. When bad things start to happen to them, it makes it more terrifying. And third, the element of surprise. A sudden, unexpected turn of events can send shivers down the reader's spine.

The darkness itself is a major factor. In a car at night, the darkness outside can seem to seep in. And if there are sudden changes in the light, like the headlights flickering or the interior lights going on and off randomly, it can be very disorienting. Also, the idea that there could be something lurking just outside the car, waiting to get in, adds to the horror.

Surprise elements. For example, when something suddenly jumps out or a noise comes from an unexpected place. It makes the reader or listener jump.

The unknown nature of bigfoot makes the stories scary. We don't really know what it is, if it's real or not. Just the idea that there could be a large, ape - like creature out there in the woods that we don't understand is spooky.

One key element is the setting. A dark, isolated place like an old mansion or a spooky forest can immediately create a sense of unease. For example, in many horror stories, a haunted house with creaking floors and dimly lit rooms sets the mood. Another element is the unknown. When the source of the fear is not clearly defined, it makes the reader or listener more scared. Like a strange noise in the night that you can't identify. Also, a sense of helplessness in the characters, such as being trapped in a place with no escape, adds to the scariness.

One element is its appearance. For example, if a dog has matted fur, bloodshot eyes, and bared teeth, it immediately looks menacing. Another is its behavior. If it growls constantly, stalks people, or chases them without any obvious reason, that's scary. Also, the context matters. If the dog is in a spooky place like an old, abandoned building or a dark forest, it adds to the scariness.

The unknown is a key element. For example, in a story where there is a strange noise in an empty house on Halloween night, not knowing what is making the noise creates fear. Darkness also plays a part. A lot of scary Halloween stories are set at night, like when a person is walking alone in a dark forest on Halloween and senses something lurking. Another element is the supernatural. Ghosts, witches, and demons are common in these stories as they go against the normal rules of the world and are unpredictable.

The unknown is a big factor. When you don't know what the demon looks like exactly or what it can do, it creates fear. For example, in many stories, the demon is just a shadow or a presence that can't be clearly defined.