Ghost stories have been popular for centuries because they satisfy a fundamental human curiosity about death and the afterlife. They can also make a subtle commentary about what it means to be alive.
There are many different types of ghosts, but the most common type is a deceased person – usually a friend or family member or perhaps even a historical figure. These ghosts can show themselves in a variety of ways, including making noises, touching people or emitting odours to let humans know they are present. They often retain the personality they had when they were alive.
Some ghosts are not so friendly and may manifest as poltergeists, haunting a particular room or building. These ghosts have unfinished business and are irritated by those who occupy their space. They are often able to communicate their frustration with the living by moving things around and making strange sounds.
Other ghosts are invisible and are only visible to those who are sensitive to their presence. These ghosts are said to be able to move objects with their minds and can create misty, distorted, flickering forms. They are sometimes able to take the form of a solid body, but this is rare and usually only done by very powerful ghosts.
Another way to write a ghost story is to treat it like any other character in the novel. This can be used in a number of genres, but works best for horror and mystery. A ghost of this type will need a name, appearance and a history, as well as a reason for being stuck in the mortal world.