To create a sense of closure in the ending of a ghost story, the emotional journey of the characters must be complete. If the main character has started the story in fear and confusion because of the ghost, by the end they should have transformed. Maybe they've learned to face their fears, or they've gained a new perspective on life and death. When the ghost finally leaves or is dealt with, it should feel like a natural conclusion to the character's growth. For instance, if a character was haunted by a ghost representing their past regrets, and at the end they accept those regrets and are at peace, that's a great way to end the story with closure.
One way an author can create the sense of an ending story is through foreshadowing. If there are hints throughout the story about how it will end, like in 'Romeo and Juliet' where there are allusions to their tragic end from the beginning. Then, when the end actually comes, it feels like a natural conclusion. Another method is by bringing back elements from the beginning of the story. For example, if a story starts with a lost key and ends with the key being found and used to unlock something important, it gives a great sense of an ending. Additionally, the tone of the writing can contribute. A more reflective and calm tone at the end can signal the end of the story's journey.
One way is by resolving the main conflict. If it's a story about a hero fighting a villain, the hero should either defeat the villain or reach some sort of compromise at the end. This gives a clear end to the main struggle.
To write a good sense ghost story, start with a spooky setting. Describe it vividly so readers can picture it. Create a believable ghost character with a clear backstory. Use sensory details like the smell of decay or the touch of cold air. Build suspense slowly.
The use of the unknown and the unexplained is crucial. Ghost stories novels usually don't fully explain the ghosts or the supernatural occurrences right away. This leaves the reader in a state of suspense and fear as they try to figure out what's really going on. For example, in many such novels, there are strange noises or apparitions that are not immediately understood, which keeps the reader on tenterhooks.
They often use the unknown. For example, in 'The Turn of the Screw', the governess isn't sure if the ghosts are real or just her imagination. This uncertainty creates fear. Also, descriptions of spooky settings like in 'The Haunting of Hill House' help. The old, creaking house with its cold hallways makes the reader feel uneasy.
They create fear in multiple ways. One is by using the unknown. Ghosts are often not fully understood entities. In stories like 'The Woman in Black', the mystery around the woman's identity and her motives for haunting is terrifying. Also, the element of the supernatural defying the laws of nature makes us feel vulnerable. When a ghost can pass through walls or appear out of nowhere, it scares us. Moreover, the psychological aspect, like in 'The Haunting of Hill House', where the characters' own minds seem to turn against them in the face of the ghostly happenings, adds to the fear.
They use elements like sudden noises or unexplained events. In many ghost stories, you'll hear strange creaking sounds or see objects move on their own. This violates our sense of how the normal world works. Also, the idea of a malevolent spirit that can't be easily fought or escaped from is scary. Take 'The Ring' for example. Sadako can seemingly reach anyone who watches the cursed tape, and there's no easy way to stop her. This helplessness in the face of the ghostly threat creates fear. And the build - up of suspense is crucial. Writers will slowly reveal details about the ghost, keeping the reader in a state of anticipation and dread.
Some common elements in sense ghost stories are spooky settings like old, abandoned houses or cemeteries. There are often unexplained noises, such as creaking floors or moaning winds. Strange apparitions, like shadowy figures or glowing forms, also frequently appear. And a sense of unease or dread that builds throughout the story.
He uses the unreliability of the narrator's memory to build suspense. Since we can't be sure if what the protagonist remembers is accurate, we're constantly on edge, waiting to find out the real truth. Also, the introduction of unexpected events from the past that seem to have no explanation at first adds to the suspense.