I'm not entirely sure without reading it specifically, but it could be students and teachers typical in a school story by James.
In 'M R James A School Story', the main characters are probably those you'd expect in a school setting. There could be a group of curious students who begin to notice odd things around the school. There might be a teacher who has been at the school for a long time and has some knowledge about the school's secrets but is hesitant to share. Additionally, there could be a school caretaker who has seen strange things over the years but has been too afraid to speak up. These types of characters are common in James' works set in such environments.
There are many different main characters across the stories. In 'Canon Alberic's Scrap - Book', Canon Alberic is a key figure. He discovers the strange scrap - book which brings about a series of eerie events.
M R James was a master of the ghost story genre. In 'A School Story', it could be centered around the unique atmosphere of a school. There may be a dark secret hidden within the school's history or architecture. It might feature characters such as students, teachers, or school staff who encounter something out of the ordinary. For example, they could stumble upon an old diary that reveals a tragic past, which then starts to manifest in strange ways around the school.
M. R. James often focused on creating a creepy atmosphere and using vivid descriptions. He also incorporated elements of the supernatural in a believable way.
Some of the best M R James stories include 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'. It's a classic that creates a great sense of unease with its haunted whistle and the strange apparition that follows. Another good one is 'Casting the Runes' which has a menacing atmosphere as the cursed runes are involved.
It's hard to pick just one as the best, but 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' is often highly regarded. The simplicity of the object that triggers the supernatural events, the whistle, is quite brilliant. And the way the horror unfolds as the figure is seen approaching in the night is very effective.
Another great one is 'Casting the Runes'. It's known for its menacing and insidious plot. The idea of a curse being passed through runic symbols is really spooky. The story shows how the curse gradually affects the victim in a very unsettling way.
Some of the best M R James ghost stories include 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'. It's a classic with a very eerie atmosphere. The story builds tension effectively as the main character encounters strange happenings after finding a whistle on a desolate beach.
His writing style is also a factor. He writes in a rather matter - of - fact way which makes the horror seem more real. It's like he's just reporting on these strange events that he has witnessed. This simplicity in his writing, combined with the complex and often disturbing supernatural elements, makes his ghost stories truly special.
M R James was a well - known figure in the world of literature. He collected ghost stories mainly because he had a great interest in the supernatural and the macabre. His own experiences, perhaps, and his fascination with the unknown led him to gather these stories. He was also a great storyteller himself, and these collected stories might have inspired his own creative works in the genre.
There's no way to know for sure without more details about the 'day r survival story'. It could be a lone survivor as the main character.