What are the elements that make amazing scary stories so appealing?

The mystery in strange scary stories is appealing. It makes people wonder what could be behind those strange events. For example, in a story about a haunted house, we don't really know what the ghosts are or what they want, and that keeps our interest.

The sense of danger they convey. Take the werewolf myth. A normal human can transform into a blood - thirsty beast under the full moon. The idea that something so dangerous could be hidden within a person is really scary. And it's this danger element that draws people in. They want to experience the thrill of being a little bit scared through these stories.

One element is the unknown. In many of these stories, like in 'The Monkey's Paw', we don't know exactly how the cursed paw will bring about misfortune. It's this sense of not knowing what will happen next that scares us. Another is the use of psychological horror. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the woman's slow descent into madness due to her confinement is terrifying because it plays on our fears of losing our minds.

The mystery in long scary campfire stories is appealing. It makes people wonder what will happen next, like in a story where a character enters an unknown cave and strange noises start. Also, the sense of danger. When the protagonist is being chased by an unseen force, it gets our hearts racing.

The element of the unknown. In a short 2 - minute story, not having all the answers makes it scarier. For example, in a story about a strange noise in the basement, not knowing what's making the noise creates fear. Also, sudden and unexpected events like a door slamming shut on its own can startle the listener.

The freedom to break the rules of reality is a major part of it. We can have characters with superpowers or places that don't exist. This gives a sense of wonder and amusement. For instance, a city made entirely of candy. The vivid descriptions also play a role. When we can clearly picture a fairy with a wand that accidentally turns her own hair into a bunch of snakes, it makes the story more engaging and funny. And of course, the simple, child - like joy of the absurd is a big factor. Just imagining a fish that can ride a bicycle is enough to make people chuckle.

The mystery element is a big draw. Ghosts are often associated with the unknown. We don't fully understand what they are or what they want, and that makes us curious.

One element is the triumph over adversity. When someone overcomes great difficulties like poverty or illness, it gives hope to others. For example, J.K. Rowling who was a single mother on welfare when she started writing Harry Potter. Now she is one of the most successful authors in the world.

Overcoming difficulties also plays a huge role. For example, if a couple has to face cultural differences, family opposition, or health issues but still stay together. Their ability to triumph over these challenges makes their love story amazing and inspiring. It gives hope to others that love can conquer all. The journey they go through together, hand in hand, is what makes the story stand out.

One element is the element of struggle. When we see someone overcome great difficulties like poverty, discrimination or illness in their life - changing stories, it gives us hope that we can do the same. For example, Nelson Mandela who spent 27 years in prison but still fought for equality and justice in South Africa.