What are the common elements in horror mirror stories?

One common element is the distortion of the reflection. For example, the face in the mirror might change into something grotesque, like a monster or a ghost. Another element is that the mirror often seems to have a life of its own. It might emit strange noises or a strange glow. Also, the mirror can act as a portal to another world or time, showing things that are not supposed to be there, like a past tragedy or a spooky alternate dimension.

The distortion of one's own reflection can be really scary. For example, seeing your face change in the mirror without any logical reason.

One common element is the distortion of the reflection. Like in many stories, the reflection in the mirror doesn't look like the person looking into it, which is really creepy. For example, the face might change into something monstrous.

One common element is the distorted reflection. For example, the reflection might have red eyes or a strange expression that the real person doesn't have. Another is the sense of being watched through the mirror. It's like there's a presence that is observing the person from the other side of the glass. Also, often there's a connection to a past event or a previous owner in the place where the mirror is located. Maybe someone died there and their spirit is trapped in the mirror.

One common element is the distortion of reflection. Like in many stories, the reflection in the mirror doesn't look like the person looking into it, but something more sinister. For example, the face might be warped or have strange features added.

Reflection distortion is a common element. Like the reflection not acting as it should, such as blinking at odd times or having a different expression. Another is the appearance of something unexpected in the mirror, like a strange figure or a menacing face.

The appearance of the ghost itself is a common element. Usually, it has a pale complexion, hollow eyes, or some other eerie feature. It might also be associated with a tragic backstory, like a person who died unfairly in the house where the mirror is. This gives the ghost a reason for haunting and makes the story more engaging. For instance, a woman who was killed by her lover might haunt the mirror, seeking revenge or just trying to tell her story.

One common element is the unexpected appearance of the ghost in the mirror. Usually, the person is just going about their normal routine like looking at themselves or passing by the mirror when they see the ghost. Another element is the sense of dread and fear that immediately follows the sighting. Also, the ghost often has a strange or menacing appearance, like hollow eyes or a pale, almost translucent skin.

Horror stories often feature a protagonist who is in over their head. They might start out as an ordinary person, like in 'Rosemary's Baby' where Rosemary is just a normal woman, but then they are thrust into a terrifying situation. Settings also play a big role. Abandoned asylums, cemeteries, and old mansions are common settings in horror stories as they have an air of mystery and danger already associated with them.

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.