Fear of the unknown is a common element. For example, in many horror stories, there are mysterious noises or things that move in the dark. You don't know what's causing them, and that's what makes it scary.
Isolation is often used. Think about a character being alone in a big, old, spooky house or in a desolate forest. There's no one to turn to for help, which heightens the sense of danger and fear. This is seen in stories like 'The Blair Witch Project' where the characters are lost in the woods.
The use of grotesque or abnormal creatures is also prevalent. Creatures that are not of this world or are severely deformed, like the zombies in 'Night of the Living Dead'. They violate our sense of normalcy and safety, and that's what scares us in horror stories.
Fear of death is a big element in horror stories. The threat of death, whether it's from a serial killer or a supernatural force, is always present. Also, there's often a sense of helplessness. The characters find themselves in situations where they seem to have little control over what's happening to them. For instance, in 'The Blair Witch Project', the characters are lost in the woods and being hunted by an unknown entity. There's also the use of suspense. Writers build up the tension by delaying the reveal of the horror, making the readers or viewers more and more anxious as the story progresses.
You can try looking in your local library. They usually have a section dedicated to horror literature, and the librarian might be able to guide you to some anthologies or collections that could serve as an index of sorts. Another option is to search online on websites like Goodreads. It has a vast collection of horror books listed, and you can browse through different genres and sub - genres within horror to get an idea of the variety of horror stories available.
One common element is miscommunication. For example, the client may not clearly state their needs in the RFP, leading to bidders making wrong assumptions. Another is the unrealistic timeframes given in RFPs. Bidders often struggle to meet very tight deadlines, which can result in shoddy proposals.
One common element is the setting. Often, it's in isolated places like abandoned military bases, remote forests or in the middle of the ocean. Another is the unknown enemy. It could be something that can't be easily explained, like ghosts or strange creatures. For example, in many stories, soldiers encounter shadowy figures that seem to defy the laws of nature.
One common element is misinformation. For example, the adoptive parents might be misled about the child's medical history or background. Another element could be the financial exploitation, like agencies charging exorbitant fees for adoptions that turn out to be faulty. Also, lack of proper screening of adoptive families, which can lead to children being placed in unsafe or uncaring environments.
One common element is the subversion of the traditional Christmas cheer. For example, instead of a warm, inviting fireplace, it might be a source of evil spirits emerging. Another element is often the use of Christmas - related symbols in a menacing way, like a twisted version of Santa Claus or a haunted Christmas tree. Also, the setting of a cold, snowy Christmas night can add to the horror as it creates an isolated and desolate atmosphere.
Stigma is a common element. People with AIDS are often shunned and discriminated against, like in the story where a person was fired from his job just because he had AIDS. Another element is the rapid decline in health. As the immune system weakens, sufferers face multiple infections and diseases, which can be really terrifying.
I think unexpected changes can be part of homework horror stories. For instance, the teacher suddenly changing the requirements halfway through. It's like you've been working towards one goal and then it's all different. Also, technical problems can be a pain. If you're doing an online assignment and the internet goes down or your computer crashes, it can be a disaster. And lack of resources can be a common element too. If you need certain books or materials for your homework but can't get them, it's really difficult.
In bankruptcy horror stories, the loss of assets is a big part. Whether it's a family losing their house or a business losing its equipment and property. Also, the impact on relationships is common. In families, bankruptcy can cause a lot of stress and strain on marriages and family ties. For businesses, it can lead to the breakdown of partnerships. And there is often a long - term negative impact on creditworthiness, making it difficult to get back on track financially in the future.
Another element is the presence of a menacing entity. It could be a ghost, a monster or a deranged human. For example, in many stories, a vengeful spirit haunts the main characters. There are often elements of the unknown and the unexpected, like strange noises or sudden disappearances that keep the readers or viewers on edge. Also, a sense of isolation is common. When the characters are alone or cut off from help, it heightens the horror.