What are the elements that make full scary ghost stories so terrifying?

The unknown. In full scary stories, not knowing what's going to happen next or what that strange noise is really creates fear. For example, in a story about a haunted house, the creaking floorboards could be just old wood, but the idea that it might be something supernatural is scary.

The atmosphere is crucial. In short scary ghost stories, details about a dark and gloomy setting, like a haunted mansion with creaking floors and dimly lit corridors, build up the fear. Also, the idea of something that defies the natural order, like a ghost that can pass through walls or appear out of thin air. This supernatural element, along with a feeling of being watched, makes the stories so terrifying. For instance, a story where a person feels eyes on them in an old attic, but when they turn around, there's nothing there at first, and then a ghostly face slowly materializes.

The setting also plays a crucial role. A dark, isolated place like an old abandoned house or a lonely forest path can immediately create a sense of dread. It's the kind of place where you feel cut off from the world and help is far away. For instance, in stories set in old asylums, the long, echoing hallways add to the spookiness.

The unknown is a big factor. In true ghost stories, we don't really know what the entity is or what it wants. For example, in the story of the Enfield Poltergeist, the strange noises, moving furniture, and the children's claims of being attacked by an unseen force were terrifying because no one could fully explain it. It creates a sense of unease and fear of the unknown.

The element of surprise is also key. Many of these stories have sudden appearances of the ghosts. Take the Headless Horseman. He can come out of nowhere, riding through the forest and scaring those who cross his path. His sudden presence, along with his menacing look, is what makes the story so scary. Also, the setting plays a role. Dark, isolated places like old mansions or cemeteries are common settings in these stories. They add to the overall spooky atmosphere. For instance, in some versions of Bloody Mary, the bathroom becomes a place of dread because it's a small, often - dark and enclosed space where one feels vulnerable.

The unknown. In scary flash stories, things that are not clearly defined or understood create fear. For example, a strange noise in the dark. You don't know what's making it, and that scares you.

Isolation also plays a role. In many scary stories, the characters are alone, like in an abandoned building or a desolate forest. There's no one to turn to for help, which makes the situation seem more dire. Also, the use of the supernatural, such as ghosts or curses, adds to the terror because it goes beyond our normal understanding of the world. Another element is the sense of impending doom. The feeling that something bad is about to happen and there's no way to stop it.

The unfamiliarity of the past periods is a big factor. For example, in stories set in medieval times, the different beliefs, superstitions, and the harsh living conditions create an atmosphere of fear. People didn't have the modern knowledge we have now, and things like diseases were often blamed on the supernatural.

One factor is the element of surprise. In these stories, bigfoot usually appears suddenly, catching people off - guard. The descriptions of its appearance, with long hair and a large, ape - like build, are intimidating. Moreover, the idea that there could be a large, unknown creature lurking in the woods where people often go for recreation or work makes these stories truly terrifying. For example, a hiker may feel safe in the forest until they have a bigfoot encounter, which shatters their sense of security.

The atmosphere plays a huge role. A story set in a desolate, fog - covered graveyard at midnight is already spooky. Also, the use of our primal fears, such as the fear of the dark or the fear of being hunted. In a story where a person is being chased by an unseen predator through a pitch - black forest, it taps into those basic fears that we've had since ancient times.