What are some elements that make good real ghost stories?

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.

A sense of isolation. When a story is set in a remote camping area, far from civilization, it instantly becomes scarier. For example, a campsite deep in the mountains where help is hours away.

The mystery. When we can't explain what's happening, it draws us in. For example, in a story where objects move on their own, we have no scientific way to immediately understand it, so it becomes fascinating.

The element of the unknown makes real ghost stories captivating. We are naturally curious about things we can't explain. When we hear about a real - life place having ghostly occurrences, it makes us wonder what could be causing it.

The unknown. In creepy real ghost stories, we don't know what the ghost is or what it wants. It's this lack of understanding that makes it terrifying.

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 of the scariest elements is when there are physical manifestations. When objects move on their own, like in some stories where furniture starts to shift around in an empty room. It's not just a feeling or a noise, but something you can actually see. And the connection to the past. Ghost stories often involve old buildings or places with a history. The idea that something from the past is lingering and affecting the present is really spooky. For instance, a house where a tragic event happened long ago and now there are strange occurrences. It makes you think about the power of history and the afterlife in a very disturbing way.

One key element is atmosphere. A spooky, gloomy setting like an old, abandoned house or a fog - covered cemetery immediately sets a scary mood. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old mansion with its creaking floors and hidden rooms creates an atmosphere of dread.

A good ghost story often has a creepy setting, like an old abandoned house or a foggy cemetery. Also, a mysterious backstory for the ghost and a sense of building tension are essential.

For a ghost story to be good, it has to have a sense of dread and uncertainty. The ghost itself should be both terrifying and somewhat enigmatic. Plus, a solid backstory that ties everything together is essential.