What are some of the elements in the 11 best scary ghost stories?

There's also 'The Bell Witch'. This story is based on a real - life haunting in Tennessee. The Bell Witch tormented the Bell family, making strange noises, moving objects, and even attacking family members. It's a long - standing and well - known ghost story that has been passed down through generations, and the details of the hauntings are very creepy.

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 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.

Well, simple settings are often in these stories. An old house or a spooky hallway can set the mood without being too terrifying. Then there's the idea of mystery that gets quickly resolved. For instance, the shadow in the hotel hallway that turned out to be a normal person. And sometimes, the use of the unknown that is then made known. Like a strange sound that has a very ordinary explanation.

Well, often there's a sense of melancholy. The ghosts in these short stories usually have a sad backstory. They might be lost souls. For instance, a ghost that used to live in a place and now is attached to it because they died suddenly or unfairly. And the resolution is usually positive in a way. Instead of the ghost causing chaos, it might be befriended or helped in some way by the living character. There's also the use of soft, spooky elements like a cold breeze or a flickering light that sets the mood without being too terrifying.

One common element is the feeling of sudden coldness. Ghosts are often associated with a drop in temperature. Another is strange noises like moans or whispers. For example, in many stories, people hear unexplained sounds in an empty house.

The appearance of the ghost itself is a common element. Usually, it has a pale complexion, hollow eyes, or some other eerie feature. It might also be associated with a tragic backstory, like a person who died unfairly in the house where the mirror is. This gives the ghost a reason for haunting and makes the story more engaging. For instance, a woman who was killed by her lover might haunt the mirror, seeking revenge or just trying to tell her story.

One common element is the unexpected appearance of the ghost in the mirror. Usually, the person is just going about their normal routine like looking at themselves or passing by the mirror when they see the ghost. Another element is the sense of dread and fear that immediately follows the sighting. Also, the ghost often has a strange or menacing appearance, like hollow eyes or a pale, almost translucent skin.

Darkness is a common element. Ghosts often seem to appear more menacing in the dark. For example, in many stories, a haunted house is scarier at night when it's all shadowy. Another element is the unknown. Ghosts are often mysterious, and their motives and origins are unclear. Like in stories where a ghost just randomly shows up without any explanation.

You can find great scary ghost stories in old folklore books. Libraries usually have a good collection of such books with stories from different cultures and regions.