The unknown elements. For example, in a story where there are strange noises in an old house but you don't know what's causing them. It creates a sense of fear because our minds start imagining all sorts of terrifying things, like ghosts or monsters.
You could use names like 'Luna Darkwood', 'Morpheus Black', or 'Raven Nightshade'. These names have a spooky and mysterious feel to them, which would be great for a freaky story.
For a really freaky story, names like 'Mortimer' which has an old - fashioned and slightly creepy feel. 'Ophelia' can also work as it is often associated with madness in literature. And 'Vlad' which has associations with vampires and the Dracula legend.
You might consider 'Caspian Crypt'. 'Caspian' has a somewhat mysterious sound, and 'Crypt' is a very spooky place. 'Persephone Phantom' is also a good name. 'Persephone' is a figure from Greek mythology associated with the underworld, and 'Phantom' makes it even more ghostly. And 'Silas Sinister' is a great choice. 'Silas' is a name that can seem a bit old - fashioned and menacing, and 'Sinister' really emphasizes the freaky nature of the character.
There was a girl who moved into a new apartment. Every night, she heard a scratching noise coming from the wall. At first, she thought it was just mice. But one day, she saw a face peering through a crack in the wall. It was a pale face with sunken eyes. She called the landlord, but when he came, the face disappeared. That night, the scratching got louder and louder until she couldn't bear it anymore. She moved out the next day.
For me, it's the unexplained elements. Like when things move on their own with no logical reason. For example, a book flying off a shelf when there's no wind or anyone nearby.
Once upon a time, in a dark and spooky forest, there was an old, abandoned house. A little girl named Lily got lost while exploring the forest and stumbled upon this house. As she entered, the door creaked shut behind her. The rooms were filled with strange shadows that seemed to move on their own. She heard eerie whispers that made her hair stand on end. But then, she found a friendly little mouse that led her out of the house and back to safety.
You might consider 'Bleak' as a name. It gives a sense of desolation and something not quite right. Also, 'Hollow' could be a good name. It makes one think of emptiness and something that might be lurking within that hollowness, which is perfect for a freaky story. Another option could be 'Sable', which has a dark and somewhat mysterious quality.