What are the characteristics of scary written stories?

They probably have a strong atmosphere. It could be a dark and gloomy setting, like an old cemetery or an abandoned asylum. These settings add to the overall spookiness and make the events seem more terrifying. For instance, in a story set in an abandoned asylum, the creaking floors and peeling walls create a very eerie backdrop for the scary events that unfold.

These stories usually set a spooky mood at the beginning. Maybe with a description of a dark and quiet place. However, the danger or the 'scary' part is not extreme. In the case of the old house on the hill, the shadowy figure seems scary but is quickly debunked as just a tree branch's shadow. This makes it just enough to give you a bit of a chill but not keep you up at night in fear.

One characteristic is the use of suspense. It keeps readers or listeners on edge, not knowing what will happen next. For example, in many horror stories, there are strange noises or events at the beginning that make you wonder what's causing them.

They often involve the supernatural. Ghosts, demons, and other spooky entities are common elements.

One possible scary story could be about a strange figure that appears in the neighbor's backyard at midnight. It's a tall, shadowy figure with glowing eyes that seems to be watching the neighborhood. Whenever someone tries to get a closer look, it vanishes into thin air.

One classic is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's about a narrator who is driven mad by an old man's vulture - like eye and eventually kills him. The story builds great suspense and the narrator's psychological state is truly terrifying. Another is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. This introduced the world to the iconic vampire figure, with its dark castles, blood - sucking and the sense of an ancient evil.

Sex - written stories often focus on the exploration of human sexual desires and relationships. They may contain detailed descriptions of sexual encounters.

One characteristic is unexpected situations. In a funny story, things often don't go as expected. For instance, in a story where a clumsy detective is supposed to solve a crime but ends up making a mess of everything. This sudden turn of events is what makes it funny.

Good written stories often have engaging characters. Readers can relate to or be intrigued by the characters' personalities, goals, and struggles. For example, in 'To Kill a Mockingbird', Scout is a memorable character whose growth and experiences draw readers in. Also, a strong plot is essential. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with rising action, a climax, and a resolution. This keeps the reader's attention throughout the story. Finally, vivid descriptions of the setting can create a mood and make the story more immersive.

Stories written by women may also tend to feature strong female characters more prominently. They can break the traditional molds and show women in diverse roles, like a female detective who not only solves crimes but also struggles with her own identity in a male - dominated field.