What makes the 15 scariest short stories so terrifying?

These stories are scary for multiple reasons. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the unknown consequences of our wishes create a sense of dread. We are always afraid of getting what we want in a way that is far from what we expected. In 'The Masque of the Red Death', it's the inescapability of death. No matter how much we try to avoid it, it will find us. Also, in stories like 'Carmilla', the fear of the unknown and the supernatural elements are what make them terrifying.

The unknown factor makes scariest ghost stories so terrifying. Ghosts represent the unseen, something that defies our normal understanding of the world. We don't know what they are capable of or when they might appear. For example, in the story of the haunted mirror, you never know when a face might show up in it.

The fear of the unknown. In these stories, things happen that can't be easily explained. It makes our minds race with all kinds of possibilities.

The build - up of suspense. The stories usually start slow, introducing normal situations like a family moving into a new home. But then, as time goes on, small, creepy things start to happen. For example, objects start disappearing, and then they hear footsteps when no one else is supposed to be in the house. This slow build - up makes it very terrifying. Also, the way the stories play on our deepest fears, such as the fear of the dark or the fear of being alone and helpless in a spooky situation. It makes the reader or listener really feel the horror.

The unknown factor. In scariest true stories, often there are things that can't be easily explained. Like in the Amityville case, the strange noises and apparitions have no clear scientific reason. It's this lack of understanding that sends shivers down our spines.

The use of the supernatural. In Japanese scary stories, things like ghosts, curses, and monsters are common. For example, in 'The Ring', Sadako's ability to come out of the TV through a cursed video is supernaturally terrifying. It plays on our fear of the unknown and the things we can't control.

The unknown factor makes the scariest true stories terrifying. For example, in the case of the Bermuda Triangle disappearances, ships and planes vanishing without a trace. There's no clear explanation, which plays on our fear of the unknown. Another aspect is the violation of the normal and safe. When a family is haunted in their own home, like in the Amityville Horror, it shatters our sense of security at home.

The way he creates a sense of unease. His vivid descriptions of ordinary places turning into something menacing. For example, in some stories, a simple small town becomes a place full of hidden horrors.

The unknown factor makes them terrifying. In many of these stories, there are elements like ghosts or demons that we don't understand. We fear what we can't explain. For example, in a haunted house story, not knowing what is causing the strange noises or apparitions scares us.

What makes a scariest story terrifying is often the sense of the unknown. When there are elements in a story that we can't explain, like a strange noise in a haunted house with no obvious source, it sends shivers down our spines. It plays on our fears of the dark and the unseen.