A ghost is the spirit of a person who has died that haunts, or lingers on, a living human being. Ghosts are invisible and mysterious, and can be feared or adored depending on the context. They are often associated with the supernatural, such as in horror, science fiction and fantasy stories, or the occult and new religious movements. They are also a part of popular culture, appearing in fictional television shows and movies such as Supernatural, Ghost Whisperer and Medium, and animated series such as Casper the Friendly Ghost, Danny Phantom and Scooby-Doo.
The backstory of the ghost is the key element that ties them to this world. Their goal may be to find peace or resolution, bring a loved one back, seek revenge, or just let the world know they still exist.
In terms of the setting, it’s important to create a world that is unsettling and dark. This will give the reader a sense of dread and eeriness.
It’s also helpful to give the ghost a variety of powers and abilities. This is what will distinguish them from other ghost stories and make them unique. They might be able to phase through solid matter, enter people’s dreams, manipulate physical objects or even take a physical form themselves. This will allow your audience to feel like they are actually there, making them more invested in the story. It’s also important to create a sense of mystery by leaving many questions open at the end of the story, so the audience will keep thinking about the ghost after they read it.