What are some elements that make creepy real ghost stories so scary?

The unknown. In these stories, we don't know exactly what the ghost wants or how it will act. It creates a sense of unease.

The unknown is a big factor. In the best creepy ghost stories, we don't fully understand the nature of the ghost. Is it a lost soul? A demon? This lack of knowledge creates fear. For example, in 'The Turn of the Screw', the governess isn't sure if the ghosts she sees are real or just in her head.

The unknown. In many true horror stories, it's the things that we don't understand that scare us the most. For example, strange noises in the night with no clear source. It makes our imagination run wild.

The element of the unknown is key. For example, when there are strange noises in a supposedly empty place like an old attic. You don't know what's making the noise, and that creates fear.

The unknown is a big factor. In real terrifying stories, when we don't know what is causing the strange events, it scares us. For example, in a story about a haunted place, not knowing what the ghostly presence is or what it wants makes it terrifying.

The unknown is a big factor. In true ghost stories, we don't really know what the entity is or what it wants. For example, in the story of the Enfield Poltergeist, the strange noises, moving furniture, and the children's claims of being attacked by an unseen force were terrifying because no one could fully explain it. It creates a sense of unease and fear of the unknown.

The atmosphere is crucial. Dark, gloomy settings like a fog - covered graveyard or a dimly lit cellar. Sounds like creaking floors, howling winds, or strange whispers add to the creepiness. And often, there's a sense of something being wrong, like a feeling that there's an unseen presence watching or waiting to do harm.

One element is the setting. Dark and isolated places like old houses, cemeteries, or abandoned asylums create a spooky atmosphere. Another is the appearance of the ghost. A figure in white, with long hair covering its face or having no feet and floating can be really creepy. Sound also plays a big part. Strange whispers, moans, or the sound of chains rattling add to the scariness.

The sense of helplessness also plays a role. In some real - life creepy stories, the victims can't seem to do anything to stop the strange occurrences. For instance, the Bell Witch victims tried various things to get rid of the entity but it kept coming back, which is really terrifying.

The mystery. We don't really know if ghosts exist, so when we hear a story, it makes us wonder. It's like a puzzle that can't be easily solved.