One popular horror ghost story is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It tells a haunting tale of a governess who believes the children in her care are being haunted by ghosts. Another is 'The Shining' by Stephen King, which features a haunted hotel filled with terrifying apparitions. And 'The Woman in Black' is also well - known, with its eponymous ghost causing great fear in a small English town.
Well, for some, horror ghost stories are appealing because they can trigger a range of emotions. The initial fear can turn into a sense of relief when the story ends. It's also about the atmosphere these stories create. The dark, spooky settings, the creaking doors and the cold drafts in the stories make it exciting. And sometimes, sharing these stories with friends or in a group can create a sense of community, as everyone gets to experience the same shivers together.
One idea could be a character's internal conflict between following their dreams or fulfilling family expectations. For example, a young artist who wants to study art in Paris but their parents expect them to take over the family business. This creates a strong conflict as the character has to decide between their passion and their sense of family duty.
Person vs. society conflict. For instance, a character in a dystopian society who rebels against the strict laws and rules that suppress individuality. The character might start a small act of resistance like writing subversive graffiti, which then escalates as the authorities try to hunt them down.
One good idea is to use puppets. You can make simple puppets at home with socks or paper bags. Then, use the puppets to act out the story as you tell it. This makes the story more vivid and engaging for children.
One idea could be a story about an old, abandoned house. A young couple decides to explore it at night. As they enter, they hear strange whispers and the sound of a creaking rocking chair. When they turn on their flashlights, they see a faint figure of an old woman in the corner, but when they blink, she's gone.
The theme of a possessed person. Their behavior changes drastically, and they do things that are not normal, like speaking in tongues or having superhuman strength. It gives a sense of the unknown and the fear of something taking over a person's body.
One theme could be a desolate forest at night. There are strange sounds coming from the bushes, and the trees seem to be alive and menacing. Also, the idea of a vengeful spirit is a classic. A spirit that has been wronged in the past and now seeks revenge on the living, following them everywhere they go.
One idea could be a story about a young adventurer who discovers a hidden, magical world in an old attic. They encounter strange creatures and have to solve puzzles to find their way back home.
Imagine a love story between a teacher and a student, but not in a creepy or inappropriate way. The student is an adult learner who is going back to school after years. The teacher is initially just focused on teaching, but they start to notice each other's kindness and intelligence. However, they have to deal with the ethical boundaries and the judgment of others in the school environment.