What makes most scary short stories so terrifying?

The element of the unknown. For example, in many of the stories, there are unexplained noises or figures. We don't know what they are or what they want, and that scares us.

The unknown elements. In these stories, often there are things that are not fully explained. Like in a story where a door in an old building keeps opening on its own. We don't know what's on the other side. It could be a monster, a ghost, or something even more sinister. This lack of knowledge creates fear.

The element of surprise plays a big role. In a lot of the top 100 most scary stories, there are sudden twists. Like in a story where a character thinks they are safe, but then something unexpected and terrifying happens. Also, the fear of death and the supernatural is often a key factor. Whether it's vampires that represent a perversion of life or ghosts that seem to be from beyond the grave, they all tap into our primal fears.

The element of the unknown. In the most scary true stories, like the Enfield Poltergeist case, things happen that can't be easily explained. Objects move on their own, voices are heard, and it's all in a real - life setting. That's what makes it so scary.

The element of surprise. In short scary stories, the unexpected twists and turns can quickly shock the reader. For example, in 'The Landlady', the seemingly kind landlady has a dark secret about her previous guests. The sudden revelation that she has been poisoning them is a great shock.

In 'The Tell - Tale Heart', it's the narrator's psychological breakdown that scares. His obsession and the guilt that eventually consumes him are really terrifying. For 'The Monkey's Paw', the idea of getting what you wish for in the most horrible way is what makes it scary. You think you're getting something good but it turns into a nightmare.

The way these stories play with our emotions and fears is what makes them so terrifying. They often touch on our deepest fears, such as death, the loss of sanity, or the presence of evil. In stories like 'The Fall of the House of Usher', the decay and doom associated with the house and its inhabitants mirror our fears of mortality and the end of things. The vivid descriptions of spooky settings, like the dark and damp cellars or the haunted mansions, create a sense of dread in the reader's mind.

The thrill. People like to feel a rush of adrenaline. Terrifying short stories can give that by presenting situations that are far from our normal, safe experiences. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's descent into madness and his fear of getting caught are very thrilling.

The use of the unknown. Japanese horror often plays with elements that are not clearly defined. For example, spirits and ghosts that don't follow the normal rules. It leaves the reader or viewer (in case of movies based on these stories) with a sense of unease.

Well, it could be the characters. If there are creepy characters like a witch with a cackling laugh and a hunched back in the 'kindercatcher' stories. They can create a feeling of dread. Also, the setting plays a role. A dark and isolated place like an old cemetery at midnight can be really terrifying. The combination of these elements in the stories might be what makes them so scary.