What are the common elements in short story horror stories?

One common element is the sense of the unknown. For example, in many short horror stories, there are things that lurk in the dark or in mysterious places like haunted houses. We don't really know what these things are, and that scares us.

One common element is the use of the unknown or the supernatural. For example, ghosts, demons, or otherworldly powers often appear in horror short stories to create a sense of fear. Another element is a sense of isolation. When the characters are alone, it makes them more vulnerable and heightens the tension.

One common element is the presence of supernatural beings like the aswang, white lady, or kapre. These creatures often bring fear and mystery.

One common element is a spooky setting. It could be an old, abandoned house, a dark forest, or a desolate cemetery. These settings create an immediate sense of unease.

Ghosts are a common element. Many Tagalog horror stories feature the spirits of the dead who are either seeking revenge or are trapped in a certain place. For example, the spirit of a murdered person haunting the place of their death.

One common element is the sense of isolation. For example, like the girl alone at home in the first story. Another is the unknown or the mysterious. The figure in the cemetery was very mysterious. And often there is a sense of something being not right in a familiar place, like the attic in the third story.

One common element is the sense of isolation. The protagonist is often alone or in a small group, cut off from help. For example, they might be trapped in a building surrounded by zombies. Another element is the constant threat. The zombies are always nearby, ready to attack at any moment. Also, there's often a struggle for resources like food, water, and weapons.

Isolation is a common element. The Appalachian region is vast and remote, so characters often find themselves alone in the wilderness, which adds to the horror. For example, a lone traveler getting trapped in a strange part of the mountains.

One common element is the use of local superstitions. For example, beliefs about vengeful spirits of the dead are often incorporated. Another is the setting, like old houses or isolated areas in the Bisaya region which are believed to be haunted.

Well, a lot of short paragraph horror stories have an element of suddenness. They might start calmly and then suddenly something terrifying happens, like a hand reaching out from under the bed. Another common thing is the use of the familiar turned strange. Take a normal household item, say a doll. In a horror story, it could start doing creepy things like laughing on its own. And the idea of being trapped, whether it's in a locked room or in a situation where escape seems impossible, is also frequently used in these stories.