Common elements include the idea of reincarnation or mistaken identity sometimes. The ghost may think the living person is their long - lost love from a past life. There's also the theme of the afterlife being a place where love still exists and can cross over to the world of the living. And there's usually a sense of fear or unease. The living character may be initially terrified of the ghostly suitor but then gradually becomes more empathetic or even falls in love in return, which makes for a very complex and spooky narrative.
Unusual obsessions also play a big part. Like in the story where a person is obsessed with collecting strange things related to their loved one. This kind of abnormal obsession is often a sign of a creepy love. It goes beyond normal affection and enters a disturbing territory.
One common element is strange noises. Like footsteps or banging sounds when no one else is around. Another is seeing apparitions or shadowy figures. For example, a figure passing by quickly out of the corner of someone's eye.
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.
Darkness is a common element. Fridays are often associated with bad luck in some superstitions, so it sets a spooky mood. Old, abandoned places like cemeteries, haunted houses or desolate docks are often featured. Strange noises such as whispers, scratches or moans are typical. And of course, the appearance of a ghostly figure, often with pale skin, glowing eyes or a tattered appearance.
One common element is excessive possessiveness. For example, a partner not allowing the other to have any friends of the opposite sex. Another is stalking - like behavior, such as constantly following the person around without their consent.
One common element is the presence of strange noises. In many of these stories, like the haunted house ones, you'll hear creaking doors, unexplained bangs, or whispers. Another element is the appearance of apparitions. Whether it's a ghostly figure in white or a shadowy form. And then there's the feeling of being watched. People in these stories often describe an intense sense of being observed by something unseen.
Sudden apparitions are really scary. When an employee is working late and suddenly sees a figure out of the corner of their eye or in front of them. It could be the figure of a long - dead person. This sudden visual shock is a big part of what makes workplace ghost stories so frightening. In some stories, people see these apparitions for just a moment before they disappear, leaving the witness in a state of panic.
The most terrifying element is often their appearance. A child ghost usually has a pale face, big sad eyes, and a forlorn look. For example, in the story of the girl in the white dress, her ghostly pale face is very haunting.
The sense of innocence turned malevolent is really scary. These were once kids, so we expect them to be pure, but as ghosts they can be vengeful or just lost and causing fear without meaning to. For example, in some stories, the kid ghosts are seeking revenge for their untimely deaths. And they use their child - like form to get close to people before doing something terrifying. Also, the places they haunt, like old houses or schools, add to the overall spookiness. The contrast between the normal, everyday setting and the sudden appearance of a child ghost makes it even scarier.
The most terrifying element is often their appearance. For example, the pale faces and empty eyes of the ghost kids. It gives a sense of the uncanny, as they look human but are clearly not alive.