The presence of the supernatural is also a key element. If after his death, there were reports of seeing his ghostly figure in places he used to frequent. Or if there were poltergeist - like activities in his former home, such as objects flying around or doors slamming shut by themselves. These elements add to the scariness of a story about his death as they suggest that there is something beyond our understanding at play.
I'm not sure who Chuck Steinburg is specifically. But generally, a scary story about someone's death could involve strange occurrences around the time of their passing. Maybe there were unexplained noises in the place where he died, or people claimed to see his apparition. It could also be that there were premonitions or strange dreams that some had about his death before it actually happened.
The element of surprise and the unknown surrounding Chuck's death make it scary. You never know what's coming next.
The suddenness also plays a role. Like the hiker who was suddenly faced with a shadowy figure after just tripping. There's no time to prepare, and that quick shift from normal to deadly is scary. Another element could be the isolation. The girl in the abandoned house was all alone, cut off from help, which makes her situation more terrifying as there's no one to save her when she's in danger.
A sense of impending doom is a great element too. If the characters in the story keep getting signs that something bad is going to happen, like in a story where a family keeps finding dead birds on their doorstep before a series of strange events start to occur. This makes the readers or listeners feel on edge and scared.
A key element is the build-up of tension and suspense. When you don't know what's coming next, it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The unexpectedness also plays a role. If a smiley suddenly changes its expression or appears in a place where it shouldn't be. Say, in a derelict building where you expect only gloom and then you see a bright, but somehow wrong - looking smiley. It gives a sense of unease and fear. Another aspect could be the color. A bright, vivid smiley in a very dull and dreary, maybe blood - stained setting can be really creepy.
Another element could be the idea of being alone in the large, maze - like Chuck E. Cheese building. If Eli was there by himself, whether as an employee staying late or a kid who got lost, the vastness and the many hidden corners of the place can create a sense of unease. There could also be a sense of mystery surrounding the backstage areas where the animatronics are maintained. Maybe Eli ventured into one of those areas and saw something he wasn't supposed to see, like a strange old - fashioned Chuck E. Cheese costume or some malfunctioning equipment that gave off an eerie vibe.
In the Scary Lake Story, the fear might come from several aspects. Firstly, the setting. A lonely lake surrounded by thick forests or desolate landscapes can create a sense of unease. Secondly, the events that are said to have occurred there. If there are tales of tragic deaths, like drownings or murders near the lake, it makes the place seem cursed. And thirdly, the unknown. If there are things about the lake that people can't explain, such as strange lights or sounds, it fuels the fear.
Its appearance. Ravens are black and have a rather large and imposing size. Their beady eyes seem to be always watching, which can be quite unnerving.
One element is its appearance. For example, if a dog has matted fur, bloodshot eyes, and bared teeth, it immediately looks menacing. Another is its behavior. If it growls constantly, stalks people, or chases them without any obvious reason, that's scary. Also, the context matters. If the dog is in a spooky place like an old, abandoned building or a dark forest, it adds to the scariness.