A ghost is an energy that is left behind after a body dies. This energy can still interact with people and can manifest in many ways. The most common is as a shadowy figure, but they can also appear as a mist or even as a voice. Some ghosts are thought to be malevolent, while others are benign. Whatever their intentions, they can be scary or just plain creepy. Ghost stories are popular because humans have an inherent curiosity about the unknown. They satiate this curiosity by addressing the possibility of some sort of afterlife, and they often make a dark commentary on our own mortality.
When writing a ghost story, you need to decide how you want your reader to react. You should also consider the backstory of your ghost. “Ghosts need a backstory just like we do,” says Cornelia Funke, author of the Inkheart trilogy. This backstory may explain why they are in the place where they are and why they do what they do. For example, if a ghost haunts a house that was the site of a violent murder, it could be that they are trying to bring justice to those responsible.
In addition, it is important to know how your ghost will present danger. For example, if the ghost is a malevolent spirit that is trying to finish something unfinished in life, it can create fear and unease in the protagonist. In this case, the ghost might be able to attack or possess a person.