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.
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.
These stories usually set a spooky mood at the beginning. Maybe with a description of a dark and quiet place. However, the danger or the 'scary' part is not extreme. In the case of the old house on the hill, the shadowy figure seems scary but is quickly debunked as just a tree branch's shadow. This makes it just enough to give you a bit of a chill but not keep you up at night in fear.
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.
Not necessarily. Many preschool ghost stories are designed to be more friendly and not overly scary. For example, the ghosts in these stories are often depicted as cute or misunderstood rather than terrifying.
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.
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.
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.
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.
They often involve vengeful spirits. For example, ghosts that come back to take revenge on those who wronged them during their lifetimes.
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.