good psychological stories

One important element is relatability. For example, if the story is about overcoming fear, many people can relate to it as fear is a common emotion. Another element is a positive outcome. It gives hope to the readers or listeners. Like in a story where a person recovers from depression, it shows that there is a way out.

Well, 'Psycho' is a classic in the genre. Norman Bates' split personality and the infamous shower scene are staples of horror and psychological thriller. It delves deep into the disturbed mind of a killer. Then there's 'Misery', where the obsessed fan holds the writer captive. The psychological torture she inflicts on him and his attempts to escape are very nerve - wracking.

One good psychological story is about a boy who was always afraid of failure. He never tried new things because of this fear. One day, his teacher told him a story of a famous inventor who failed many times before succeeding. This inspired the boy. He started to face his fear and tried different activities. Eventually, he found his passion for painting and became really good at it.

One great psychological thriller short story 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 ultimately commits murder. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It takes place in a small town where an annual lottery has a very dark and unexpected outcome. And 'Lamb to the Slaughter' by Roald Dahl is also a classic. In this story, a wife uses a leg of lamb to cover up her crime in a rather clever and chilling way.

Suspense is key. It builds up gradually, like in 'The Silence of the Lambs'. There are often unexpected twists and turns. And the story usually delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes like madness, obsession, or paranoia. It makes the reader feel unease and keeps them guessing until the very end.

Good characters often have empathy. They can understand others' feelings and act selflessly. Evil characters usually lack empathy and are self - centered. For example, in many fairy tales, the hero is kind - hearted and helps those in need, while the villain only cares about his own gain.

Another one is 'The Monkey's Paw'. It's not a typical ghost story in the sense of apparitions everywhere. Instead, it focuses on the psychological effects of a family making wishes on a cursed monkey's paw. The fear, greed, and desperation that the family members experience as they face the consequences of their wishes create a very psychological and spooky atmosphere.

Good psychological novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'Madame Bovary', Emma Bovary is a multi - faceted character with conflicting desires. They also explore deep emotions. 'Wuthering Heights' shows intense love and hatred between the characters. Another characteristic is the exploration of the human mind's inner workings, like in 'Notes from Underground' where the narrator's self - loathing and his view of society are dissected.

Psychological description was a common technique used in novel writing. It described the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the characters to portray the characters so that the readers could better understand and feel the story. The following are some good psychological descriptions for reference: Her core muscles were as strong as iron, but her mind was as fragile as soft tofu. This sentence described a person's physical fitness by describing the muscle structure, and then emphasized the fragility of the person's mind through the word "but" to leave a deep impression. He felt a pang of fear because he knew that this secret would not get him what he really wanted. By describing the protagonist's fear, this sentence implies that what he desires in his heart is related to his fear, so that readers can better understand the protagonist's psychology. She heard her heart beat faster, like a bird that had been caught and wanted to fly out. This sentence described the protagonist's heartbeat to show his nervousness and uneasiness, so that the reader could feel his emotional changes very vividly and effectively. He felt that his mind was in a mess, and it was hard to concentrate, like a small boat that was hit by stones. This sentence shows the anxiety and exhaustion of the protagonist by describing his chaotic thoughts, so that the readers can better understand his psychological state. She felt that a hole had been dug in the depths of her heart, but she could not find anything to fill it. This sentence described the protagonist's inner pain and loneliness by digging holes in her heart, so that readers could better understand her psychological state.

One is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It delves into the real - life murders of a Kansas family. Capote's detailed research and vivid writing make it a classic in the genre.