Bad ghost stories often lack originality. They might reuse the same old tropes like a white - sheet - wearing ghost moaning in a dark hallway. Also, they can have poor character development, making it hard for the reader or listener to care about what happens to the people in the story.
One characteristic is a sense of hopelessness. For example, in a story where the main character tries hard to achieve a goal but fails miserably in the end, leaving them with no chance of redemption. It often makes the reader feel sad or disappointed.
One characteristic could be transparency. Ghosts are often depicted as being see - through, like a faint apparition. Another is the ability to float or move without using normal means of locomotion. They can also be associated with cold spots, as if they bring a chill with them. And they might have a certain glow or an otherworldly light about them. Lastly, they may make strange noises, like moans or whispers.
One characteristic is their rebellious nature. They often break rules like being late for class or not following the dress code. For example, in many stories, the bad boy shows up to school with his shirt untucked and a cheeky grin. Another characteristic is their charm. Despite their naughty behavior, they can be extremely charming, like when they make witty remarks to their teachers or peers. And finally, they usually have a soft side. This could be seen when they help someone in need, like an old man crossing the street or a friend who is being bullied.
They often involve unexpected events. For example, like when you plan a perfect picnic and then it starts to rain heavily but you end up having a great time huddled under a tiny umbrella, sharing stories and laughing. Another characteristic is the element of self - deprecation. When you can laugh at your own misfortunes, like tripping in public but seeing the humor in it.
One characteristic is their simplicity. They didn't have elaborate special effects like modern horror stories. The focus was more on the message. Puritan ghost stories also frequently involved the dead coming back to haunt the living due to unfulfilled duties or wrongdoings. These stories were often passed down orally within the Puritan communities and were a way to keep the community in line with their strict religious beliefs.
They were also filled with superstition. People in the Elizabethan era believed in things like the afterlife, purgatory, and the power of the spirit world. So, these ghost stories incorporated such beliefs. The settings were typically dark and spooky, like old castles or desolate graveyards, adding to the overall sense of fear and mystery.
Onryo in ghost stories are known for their ability to haunt specific places. They might be tied to the location where they met their tragic end. These stories usually involve the onryo seeking revenge on those who wronged them or on the descendants of the wrongdoers. Their actions can range from simple apparitions to more malevolent deeds like causing illness or misfortune to those around. A well - known aspect is their uncanny ability to pass through solid objects as if they were not there.
A characteristic is that the ghost usually has some sort of connection to the location or the people. In many stories, the ghost was once part of the community. For instance, a helpful ghost in a school might have been a teacher or a student in the past. They perform tasks like guiding lost students or protecting the school from harm. This connection gives a reason for their helpful behavior.
Characteristics of funny ghost stories include a lack of extreme gore or violence. They focus more on the comical side of the supernatural. The ghosts in these stories can be clumsy or have odd quirks. For example, a ghost that is always tripping over its own spectral robes. The plot often involves some sort of miscommunication between the living and the dead that leads to humorous situations. Instead of a dark and menacing atmosphere, there's a more light - hearted and even warm feeling in these stories.
Early ghost stories often had simple yet spooky settings. For example, they might be set in old, dilapidated castles or dark forests. The ghosts in these stories usually had a clear purpose, like seeking revenge or warning about something. They also tended to be quite straightforward in their horror, without a lot of complex psychological twists that modern horror stories might have.