It depends on which of his ghost stories is considered the 'best' as he has several. But in 'The Turn of the Screw', the main characters are the governess, the two children Miles and Flora, and the mysterious apparitions that haunt the estate.
The psychological depth makes Henry James' best ghost story so captivating. His stories often delve deep into the minds of the characters, blurring the lines between the real and the supernatural. This creates a sense of unease and mystery that draws the reader in.
Henry James' governess ghost stories are often characterized by their psychological depth. The governess in his stories usually experiences a great deal of internal turmoil. For example, in 'The Turn of the Screw', the governess believes she sees ghosts, but it's left ambiguous whether the ghosts are real or just a product of her over - active imagination. This ambiguity adds to the overall sense of unease and mystery in the story.
The ambiguity in Henry James' ghost stories is notable. He doesn't always clearly define whether the hauntings are real or just figments of the characters' imaginations. This leaves the readers to interpret and wonder. It also adds to the overall sense of unease as readers are constantly questioning what is truly happening.
In addition, 'The Aspern Papers' is often mentioned. While not as straightforwardly a 'ghost story' as the others, it has an air of mystery and a sort of spectral presence in the form of the papers of the long - dead poet Jeffrey Aspern. It has elements that draw readers interested in Henry James' ghostly tales.
He uses the unknown. By not clearly stating whether the ghosts are real or not, it creates suspense. We keep reading to find out if they are truly supernatural beings or something else.
Henry James is often known for his complex psychological portrayals. In 'Subject of a Ghost Story', he might bring his characteristic deep exploration of human nature. His writing style could add layers of mystery and ambiguity to the ghost story, making it not just about the supernatural but also about the inner workings of the characters involved.
Well, 'Owen Wingrave' also has elements of the supernatural. It tells the story of a man who defies his family's military tradition. There are some strange occurrences and a sense of the otherworldly that add to the overall ghostly feel of the story.
In many of Henry James' ghost stories, there are often characters who are in a state of flux or uncertainty. In 'The Jolly Corner', for example, Spencer Brydon is a main character. He returns to his old home in New York and starts to have strange encounters. He is a complex character, with a past that seems to be haunting him both literally and figuratively as he faces these ghost - like apparitions in his family's old house.
Some of the best Henry James stories include 'The Turn of the Screw'. It's a very famous and chilling story that blurs the lines between the real and the supernatural. Another great one is 'Daisy Miller', which explores themes of American innocence in the face of European sophistication.