Question: what are the essential elements of a horror story?
Answer: 5 Elements of a Good Horror Story. 8/12/2012. ... 
Fear. At the risk of pointing out the elephant in the room, fear is by far the most important factor of a great horror story. ... 
Surprise. Getting someone to fear what you've created isn't the hardest part; making the fear surprising is. ... 
Suspense. ... 
Mystery. ... 
Spoilers.