What are some elements that make cool short ghost stories?

Unexpected meetings often make cool love stories. Like when two people meet in a strange place or situation. For example, during a storm or at a music festival.

Well, characters play a big role too. If you have a character who is really brave and witty, like Sherlock Holmes, but in a new and different setting, it can make for a great cool story. They should be relatable yet extraordinary at the same time. And the way the story is told, with vivid descriptions and a good flow, can turn an ordinary plot into a cool story.

Well, a good ghost story for a short story often has a relatable protagonist. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the woman's struggle with her mental state makes her relatable. Creepy sounds or noises are also important. In 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad', the whistling sound that heralds the ghost's arrival adds to the scariness. And an ambiguous ending can leave the reader with a sense of unease, as in 'The Open Window' where we're not entirely sure what really happened.

One element is the unexpected behavior of the ghost. For example, a ghost that is afraid of the dark instead of scaring people in the dark. Another is when the ghost interacts with the living in a comical way, like a ghost trying to use modern technology and failing miserably. Also, the setting can be interesting. If the ghost haunts a place like a toy store and has to deal with all the moving toys, it can create a really funny situation.

Surprise elements can make bedtime stories cool and funny. For example, when a character suddenly discovers something unexpected like a frog finding out that the pond he lives in is actually a giant's bathtub. Also, silly characters are great. A clumsy bear who always trips over his own paws while trying to catch fish can bring a lot of laughter.

The setting also plays a crucial role. A dark, isolated place like an old abandoned house or a lonely forest path can immediately create a sense of dread. It's the kind of place where you feel cut off from the world and help is far away. For instance, in stories set in old asylums, the long, echoing hallways add to the spookiness.

Mystery is a key element. A good ghost story should keep you guessing, like not knowing exactly who the ghost is or what it wants. For example, in many classic ghost stories, the identity of the apparition is only revealed slowly.

The sense of fear they evoke. When a story describes a ghostly apparition or strange noises in the dead of night, it gives the reader a chill. Take a story where a person is alone in a haunted house and hears footsteps. It creates an immediate sense of unease. Also, the unique settings in these stories, like an abandoned asylum or a desolate cemetery, add to the overall appeal as they are places we often associate with the supernatural.

The atmosphere is crucial. In short scary ghost stories, details about a dark and gloomy setting, like a haunted mansion with creaking floors and dimly lit corridors, build up the fear. Also, the idea of something that defies the natural order, like a ghost that can pass through walls or appear out of thin air. This supernatural element, along with a feeling of being watched, makes the stories so terrifying. For instance, a story where a person feels eyes on them in an old attic, but when they turn around, there's nothing there at first, and then a ghostly face slowly materializes.

The effective short and scary ghost stories often rely on the fear of the supernatural. People are naturally afraid of things that go against the laws of nature. When a story has a ghost that can pass through walls or disappear suddenly, it taps into that fear. Moreover, the use of personal experiences in the story can make it more relatable. If the main character is an ordinary person like the reader, and they encounter a ghost, it makes the reader feel like it could happen to them. And the pacing is crucial. A slow build - up followed by a sudden shock can really make the story work well.