Well, first of all, there's usually a babysitter in a somewhat isolated situation, like when the parents are out for the night. The presence of children also adds to the tension. Ghostly apparitions are common, whether it's a shadowy figure or a more defined form. And there are often unexplained sounds or events that build up the fear factor, for example, doors opening and closing by themselves. There can also be a sense of a past tragedy associated with the place, which might be related to the ghost's presence.
One common element is the isolation. The babysitter is usually alone in the house with the kids, cut off from immediate help. Another is the unknown. There's always something that she doesn't understand, like strange noises or the kids' odd behavior.
Strange occurrences are a big part. This could be things like lights flickering for no reason or doors opening and closing on their own. Another element is the babysitter's growing sense of dread. As the story progresses, they become more and more afraid. Also, the appearance of something otherworldly or just really creepy, like a face with no expression or a figure that moves in an unnatural way. These elements all combine to create a truly scary babysitter story.
Common elements include the babysitter's growing sense of dread. As the story progresses, she becomes more and more afraid. There's also the idea of a hidden menace. The man upstairs is like a hidden danger, just waiting to pounce. The noises from upstairs are a big part. They could be footsteps, or things being knocked over. The kids in the story are also an important part. Their innocence and vulnerability make the babysitter more determined to protect them from the possible threat of the man upstairs. And often there's a lack of proper lighting, which adds to the overall creepiness of the situation.
One common element is the unknown caller. It's always someone whose identity is not clear at first, which adds to the mystery and fear. Another is the menacing words. Things like 'I'm watching you' or 'Get out' are often used to scare the babysitter. Also, the feeling of isolation. The babysitter is usually alone in a house with just the kids, so there's no immediate help around.
Well, common elements often include a spooky setting like an old abandoned house. Ghosts are usually the main characters, and there might be strange noises or cold spots.
Once there was a babysitter named Mary. She was taking care of two kids at a big old house. As night fell, she heard strange noises from the attic. At first, she thought it was just the wind. But then she saw a shadowy figure on the stairs. She was terrified but tried to be brave for the kids. She called out but got no answer. Suddenly, the lights started to flicker. She quickly gathered the kids and ran out of the house, never to return again.
One common element is the sense of an unknown presence. In these stories, there's often something that the babysitter either encounters or is being affected by that no one can see, like in the story where the babysitter was talking to an unseen entity. Another element is the feeling of being trapped or unable to move. For example, when the babysitter in one story woke up but couldn't move as there was a heavy presence on the bed. Also, the element of the babysitter being in a vulnerable position, like being alone at night in a strange house, adds to the scariness. The unexpected behavior of the babysitter, such as suddenly having a menacing look, also makes these stories scarier.
Well, a friendly ghost story often has a non - threatening ghost. It's not out to scare people. Instead, it might have a connection with a place. Just like the library ghost Benny. And usually, there is some sort of positive interaction between the ghost and the living. It could be helping with a task, like finding a book, or just making someone feel better, like Casper did with the girl. There's also the aspect that the living characters in the story may be initially scared but then come to realize the ghost is friendly.
Another element is the presence of unexplained phenomena such as strange noises, objects moving on their own, or apparitions. For example, in many short ghost stories, doors slam shut or lights flicker without any natural cause. Also, a feeling of being watched or a cold presence is often described. This makes the reader or listener feel the unease that the character in the story is experiencing.
Since I don't know the exact 'Ellen Ghost Story', common elements in general ghost stories could apply. There might be a spooky setting, like an old, abandoned house. There could also be cold spots or feelings of unease.