One characteristic is the use of suspense. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the author keeps the readers in suspense about whether the narrator will get caught. Another is the creation of a spooky atmosphere, like in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' with its description of the dark and misty Sleepy Hollow.
Sure. 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe is a very famous one. It's a short story about a man who kills an old man because he can't stand the old man's 'evil eye', and then he is haunted by the sound of the old man's beating heart.
Often, they create a sense of unease quickly. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's erratic behavior makes the reader feel on edge from the start. They usually have elements of the unknown, like in 'The Monkey's Paw' where the outcome of the wishes is unpredictable. And they might use spooky settings, such as old houses or desolate landscapes.
One famous ghost short story is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a chilling tale of a man who murders an old man because of his 'evil eye' and then is haunted by the sound of the dead man's heart. Another is 'The Monkey's Paw' by W. W. Jacobs. A family is given a monkey's paw that can grant three wishes, but each wish comes with a terrifying and unforeseen consequence related to the supernatural. And 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' by M. R. James. It involves a man who finds an old whistle and when he blows it, he is haunted by a strange and malevolent presence.
Famous fiction ghost stories often have a sense of mystery. They usually take place in spooky settings like old mansions or graveyards. For example, in 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow', the setting of the Sleepy Hollow area adds to the overall creepiness. Another characteristic is the presence of unexplained phenomena. In 'The Turn of the Screw', the governess's sightings of the ghosts are never fully explained in a rational way.
One famous one is 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir'. In it, a widow moves into a seaside cottage and meets the ghost of a sea captain. They have a passionate relationship filled with arguments and love. It shows how love can transcend the boundaries between the living and the dead.
One famous British ghost story in fiction is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a chilling tale of a governess who believes the children in her care are being haunted by the ghosts of former servants. Another is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, which, while about a vampire, has elements of the supernatural and ghost - like horror. And 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is also well - known, with its eponymous ghostly figure that terrifies those who encounter her.
M. R. James is quite well - known. His stories are filled with creepy, ancient curses and malevolent spirits. Another is Sheridan Le Fanu. His works often have a gothic atmosphere and deal with themes of the supernatural in a very engaging way.
There's the short story 'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde. It's a humorous yet spooky story about a ghost in an old English manor who tries to haunt a family from America but is constantly thwarted by their practical and matter - of - fact attitude. 'August Heat' is also a great short ghost story. A man has a premonition of his own death after seeing a strange drawing, and as the day progresses, events seem to be leading him towards that fateful end. And 'The Mezzotint' by M. R. James, which features a strange and disturbing print that reveals a terrifying scene.