What are the characteristics of good scary ghost stories?
A good scary ghost story often has an eerie setting. For example, an old, abandoned house or a fog - covered cemetery. These places create an immediate sense of unease. Also, the ghosts themselves should be mysterious. They might not be fully described, leaving a lot to the imagination. Like in 'The Turn of the Screw', we're not entirely sure what the ghosts really are. Another characteristic is suspense. The story should keep you on the edge of your seat, like in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' where you're constantly worried about Ichabod Crane's fate.
Good scary ghost stories usually have relatable characters. When the characters are normal people like us, it makes the horror more real. For instance, in 'The Monkey's Paw', the family is just an ordinary family. The consequences of their actions with the paw are what make it so scary. The use of sound and atmosphere is also crucial. In 'The Shining', the creaking of the old hotel and the howling of the wind add to the overall spookiness. And there should be a sense of the unknown. We don't know what the ghosts want or how to stop them, which is very frightening.
What are the characteristics of good scary stories and ghost stories?
Good scary stories and ghost stories often have an element of the unknown. For example, in 'The Shining', the mystery of what's really in the hotel makes it so scary. They also usually have a sense of impending doom. In ghost stories like 'Poltergeist', the idea that the ghosts can harm you at any time creates tension. Another characteristic is a vivid setting. A spooky old house or a desolate graveyard can enhance the fear factor.
What are the characteristics of not scary ghost stories?
Not scary ghost stories usually have a positive or at least a non - threatening setting. For instance, if it's set in a beautiful old mansion with a ghost that loves the place and just wants to share it with the new inhabitants. The atmosphere is not dark and gloomy but rather has a bit of a whimsical touch. The ghosts in these stories don't have grotesque appearances but can be more like gentle apparitions. They might even communicate in a friendly way, like leaving little notes or making soft noises that are more endearing than frightening.
What are the characteristics of scary German ghost stories?
Nature also plays a big role. German ghost stories might feature haunted forests, rivers, or mountains. The Lorelei on the Rhine is a good example. The natural setting adds to the mystery and scariness. The stories are also deeply rooted in German folklore and history, so they might carry cultural elements that are unique to Germany.
What are the characteristics of 'not so scary ghost stories'?
The settings in these stories are usually not too spooky. Maybe it's a bright, sunny place where the ghost appears, rather than a dark, dank dungeon. Also, the actions of the ghosts are more comical or gentle. Like a ghost that tries to dance but is a bit clumsy. It makes you laugh more than scream.
What are the characteristics of not too scary ghost stories?
They often have friendly or helpful ghosts. For example, a ghost that protects a family from danger rather than scaring them. The settings are usually not too dark or menacing. Maybe a bright old house or a beautiful garden instead of a spooky cemetery. Also, the plot doesn't focus on horror elements like blood or sudden scares. Instead, it might be about the ghost's unfulfilled wishes in a positive way.
What are the characteristics of funny and scary ghost stories?
One characteristic is the unexpected. For example, a ghost that acts in a silly way instead of being just menacing. Like a ghost that trips over its own spectral sheet. Another is the use of irony. Such as a ghost who is afraid of the living. It makes the story funny but also keeps the spooky element as it's still a ghost.
What are the characteristics of not too scary ghost stories?
They often have friendly or misunderstood ghosts. For example, the ghosts might be trying to help rather than harm. They also usually lack intense, gory details. The settings are not overly dark and foreboding. Instead of a haunted, dilapidated mansion filled with danger, it could be a cozy house with a gentle spirit. The stories focus more on the mystery and the connection with the ghost rather than on scaring the reader out of their wits.
What are the characteristics of scary long ghost stories?
A key characteristic is the use of atmosphere. Long ghost stories can really develop a thick, spooky atmosphere. Through descriptions of the weather, like a constant fog or a howling wind, and the sounds in the environment, such as creaking floorboards or distant moans. In 'Dracula', the Transylvanian setting with its dark castles and wild landscapes sets a very ominous mood. Also, long stories can have multiple plot twists. Just when the reader thinks they understand the nature of the ghost or the mystery, something new and unexpected is revealed, like in 'Ghost Story' by Peter Straub, which keeps the readers on the edge of their seats throughout the long narrative.
What are the characteristics of scary Chinese ghost stories?
They often involve vengeful spirits. For example, ghosts that come back to take revenge on those who wronged them during their lifetimes.
What are the characteristics of funny but scary ghost stories?
One characteristic is the unexpected behavior of the ghost. For example, a ghost that scares people by appearing suddenly but then does something silly like tripping over its own spectral feet. This mix of the frightening sudden appearance and the comical action makes it a funny but scary story.