Emotional impact is crucial for easy - to - remember ghost stories. If a story evokes fear, sadness or pity, it's more likely to be remembered. Consider the story of the orphan ghost in the old orphanage. The idea of a lonely, unloved spirit tugs at our heartstrings. And often, repetition of key elements in the story, such as a particular sound or a specific time of day when the ghostly events occur, helps in making the story easy to remember.
Relatable settings also make ghost stories easy to remember. Stories set in common places like old houses, cemeteries or dark forests are easy to connect with. For instance, the story of the cemetery caretaker who saw a ghostly figure among the tombstones. We all have an idea of what a cemetery looks like, so it sticks in our minds. Also, a sense of mystery or an unanswered question in the story can make it more memorable. Like in the story of the strange noises in the abandoned school. We wonder what is causing those noises, and that makes the story stay with us.
Simple plots. For example, a single event like a death in a particular place, as in the story of the lady in the attic who died of a broken heart and now her ghost lingers there. Another characteristic is a strong visual element, like the white - clad ghosts. They are easy to picture in your mind, making the story memorable.