What are the common elements in a short supernatural story?

One common element is the forbidden aspect. Since it involves different supernatural species like vampires and humans or witches and werewolves, their love often goes against the rules of their worlds.

One common element is magic. For example, in many stories there are wizards or witches with magical powers. Another element is the presence of otherworldly creatures like fairies, ghosts or vampires. These add an element of mystery and fear. And often, there is a setting that is a bit spooky, like an old forest or a haunted house.

One common theme is the unknown and the fear of it. In many supernatural short stories, the characters are faced with things they can't explain, like in 'The Monkey's Paw'. Another theme is the thin line between the living and the dead, as seen in 'The Tell - Tale Heart' where the narrator seems haunted by the old man even after his death. Also, moral and ethical dilemmas often play a role, like in 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' where the use of the potion to transform creates all sorts of moral questions.

A prevalent theme is the disruption of the natural order. In 'The Masque of the Red Death', the prince tries to avoid death by secluding himself, but death still comes, disrupting his false sense of security. Fear of the other is another theme, like in 'The Outsider' where the main character is an outcast and feared. Also, the theme of fate is common, as in 'The Monkey's Paw' where the family's fate is sealed by their wishes.

One common theme is the unknown. Stories often play on the fear of things that are not understood, like strange entities or phenomena. For example, in 'The Call of Cthulhu' by H. P. Lovecraft, the great old one is an incomprehensible and terrifying being. Another theme is death and the afterlife. 'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde shows a ghost who is stuck between life and death. Revenge is also a theme, as in 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Poe, where the narrator gets revenge on his so - called friend in a very macabre way.

Another element is the presence of unexplained phenomena such as strange noises, objects moving on their own, or apparitions. For example, in many short ghost stories, doors slam shut or lights flicker without any natural cause. Also, a feeling of being watched or a cold presence is often described. This makes the reader or listener feel the unease that the character in the story is experiencing.

Well, first of all, there's often a protagonist. This could be a person, like a brave knight or an ordinary kid with extraordinary powers. Then there's the plot. It typically has a beginning where the situation is set up, a middle with rising action and a problem, and an end where the problem is resolved. Settings are also common. It could be a spooky old house or a bustling city in a fantasy world. And, of course, there are themes. Themes can be about friendship, courage, or the power of love.

Common elements include a setting that is often in feudal Japan or a world inspired by it. The ninja in the story usually has a code of honor that they follow. They might have a master or a sensei who trained them. There are also usually scenes of intense action, where the ninja uses their speed, agility, and intelligence to outwit their opponents. And there's often a plot twist or a moment of great danger where the ninja has to use all of their skills to survive or succeed.

One common element is the setting. Usually, the story is set in a place far from the character's home. Another is the strong emotions of the main character, like sadness and longing.

Suspense is a crucial element. The author builds up tension by withholding certain information from the reader. In a whodunit short story, there are often a number of suspects. Each suspect has a possible motive and alibi, like in 'A Study in Scarlet' where several people are initially suspected of the crime. The detective has to sift through all the evidence and alibis to find the real culprit.