One of the most common types is the haunted house story, where a house is believed to be possessed by spirits or have a dark history.
The most common might be the classic revenge ghost story. Where a wronged soul comes back to seek vengeance on those who caused their suffering in life.
Another element is the backstory of the ghost. Usually, there is some tragic event in the past that led to the ghost's existence. It could be an unfair death, a broken promise, or some other unresolved issue. This backstory adds depth to the ghost story and makes it more than just a simple tale of a spooky apparition.
I don't think it's a common type. Typical ghost stories often revolve around more general themes such as lost souls, unresolved business from the past, or murders. The 'ribbon around the neck' aspect makes it a more niche or unique kind of ghost story. It might be a regional or local legend in some areas rather than a globally common one.
I think the most common type is the prank - gone - wrong school wedgie story. You know, like when a group of friends think it's a hilarious joke to give someone a wedgie, but it ends up really hurting or embarrassing the person and then there are consequences like getting in trouble with teachers or parents. For example, there might be a group that does it during a school event thinking it's all in good fun, but the victim doesn't see it that way at all.
One common element is the spooky location, like an old abandoned house or a cemetery.
Historical settings are quite common. Many novels are set in past eras to explore different cultures and events.
One common element is a dangerous and often isolated setting. For example, in 'The Most Dangerous Game' itself, it's an island. Another is the predator - prey dynamic. There's a hunter and the hunted, like Zaroff hunting Rainsford. Also, there's usually a sense of high stakes, where the hunted's life is in immediate danger and they have to use their wits and survival skills to stay alive.
A ghost story usually falls under the horror or supernatural fiction genre. It often involves spooky and mysterious elements to thrill and scare the readers.
Common elements might include strange noises. These could be creaking sounds like footsteps when no one is around.
Strange noises are very common in the story. The creaking of floors and self - opening doors are often mentioned. Also, the presence of cold spots in certain areas of the mansion.
One common theme is revenge. The ghost often comes back to take revenge on someone who wronged it in life. Another is unfinished business. Maybe the ghost didn't get to say goodbye to a loved one or complete an important task. And there's also the theme of the supernatural invading the normal world. It's scary when the rules of the known world are broken by a spooky apparition.