What are the characteristics of full short horror stories?

One characteristic is the quick build - up of suspense. In a short horror story, there's no time to waste. For example, in 'The Monkey's Paw', right from the start, the idea of the magical yet cursed paw grabs your attention and makes you wonder what will happen. Another is the use of vivid and often grotesque imagery. 'The Tell - Tale Heart' has the description of the old man's eye which is really creepy. Also, they often end with a twist or a shock, like in 'The Lottery' where the true nature of the lottery is revealed at the end.

They often create a sense of immediate dread. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's erratic behavior and his obsession with the old man's eye make the reader feel uneasy right from the start. They also usually have a quick - paced plot to keep the horror intense within a short space.

They are concise. Usually, they quickly establish a spooky or menacing situation. For example, in a short horror story, the horror might start within the first few sentences, like a strange noise in an empty house right at the start.

Typically, they are likely to have elements of the unknown. The fear of the unknown is a common characteristic in horror. For example, an unexplained sound or a shadow that moves on its own.

Often, they create a sense of unease and fear quickly. For example, they might start with a strange or disturbing setting like a haunted house or a desolate graveyard.

They are often filled with suspense. The authors build up tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Many 1948 horror short stories often had a sense of mystery. They were set in rather ordinary settings which made the horror more relatable. For instance, like 'The Lottery', it was set in a small town that seemed normal at first glance.

One characteristic is a sense of dread. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the characters constantly feel an impending doom, which is a key element in full horror fiction.

One characteristic is their ability to create a strong sense of atmosphere in a short space. They use vivid descriptions of spooky settings, such as the decaying mansion in 'The Fall of the House of Usher'. Also, they often end with a twist or a shock, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of dread. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the unexpected outcomes of the wishes are a prime example.

One characteristic is the sense of the unknown. They often feature entities or forces that are beyond human understanding. For example, in Lovecraft's works, the cosmic entities are so alien that just looking at them or learning about them can drive a person insane. Another is the use of isolation. Characters are usually in remote or desolate places, like in the middle of a dark forest or on a lonely planet. This isolation heightens the sense of dread.