Well, a lot of these stories have the element of mystery surrounding the old lady. Maybe she has a past that no one really knows about, like she was involved in some dark magic or a tragic event long ago. Her voice can also be a factor. It could be raspy or whispery, which adds to the creepiness. And often, there are animals associated with her, like a black cat that always follows her around, making her seem even more eerie.
There was an old lady who lived in a big, dilapidated house at the end of the street. People said that at night, she would stand by her window, just staring out with a blank look. One night, a young girl got lost and knocked on her door for help. The old lady let her in, but the house was filled with strange old dolls that seemed to have their eyes following the girl everywhere. The girl felt so creeped out that she ran out as soon as she could.
The 'creepy lady from scary stories' could be any number of female characters. For example, in some horror tales, it might be a witch with a haggard look and evil powers. She could be the one who haunts a particular place, like an old house or a forest. Maybe she was wronged in the past and is now seeking revenge on the living.
The creepy lady from scary stories often has a menacing aura. Her voice, if she speaks, could be raspy or whispery. She may also be associated with certain objects or places. For instance, she might always be seen near an old well or holding a particular antique item. Her movements are usually slow and deliberate, adding to the sense of dread. She could also have a disheveled appearance, as if she has been through some sort of trauma or has been wandering for a long time in a desolate place.
Another is the tale of the haunted doll. There was an old doll that was found in an attic. It had a cracked porcelain face and tattered clothes. Strange things started to happen in the house where it was taken. Objects would move on their own, and at night, people could hear faint crying coming from the room where the doll was placed.
The unknown is often the scariest element. In old creepy stories, things like a strange noise in the dark or a shadow that moves on its own. You don't know what's causing it, and your mind fills in the blanks with all kinds of terrifying possibilities.
Isolation is often a part of it too. For example, in stories where a person is alone in a haunted castle or a dark forest. They have no one to turn to for help, and that makes them more vulnerable to the creepy things that are going on. It gives a feeling of helplessness. Moreover, the idea of the supernatural breaking into the normal world is quite frightening. When a ghost or a monster shows up in an ordinary place, it disrupts the sense of safety we usually have in our daily lives.
One creepy old story is about the Headless Horseman. Legend has it that a horseman without a head rides through the night, chasing the living. It's said to be the ghost of a soldier who lost his head in battle. People in the old days were terrified of seeing this spectral figure on moonlit nights.
Another is 'Bloody Mary'. Legend has it that if you go into a dark bathroom, light some candles, and say 'Bloody Mary' three times while looking into the mirror, a terrifying apparition of a woman might appear. The origin of this story is often associated with a vengeful spirit of a woman named Mary, and it has been passed down as a cautionary tale among children for generations.