A haunted place, object or person is a place that has become overrun by ghosts, spirits or other supernatural entities. A person who is haunted may feel that they are being tormented by these apparitions or be plagued with disturbing memories.
A ghost story can be comical, disturbing, frightening or absolutely terrifying. The key to a good ghost story is in the setting, atmosphere and character of the protagonist.
Ghost stories often take place in old houses, castles or other eerie locations like cemeteries. They can also take place in a modern setting like an office or school. A haunted character can appear in many different ways, but the most common are voices, visions, and feelings of dread. They can also leave clues for the protagonist to follow that will lead them to an unsettling conclusion.
It is important to lay out what a ghost can and cannot do, especially in the opening paragraphs of your story. If a ghost can do something that is not allowed in your fictional world, this could confuse the reader or make them doubt the authenticity of your story.
It is also helpful to have a clear sense of the purpose of your ghost. Do they want to help your protagonist resolve their dark secret? Or do they simply have unfinished business that must be dealt with? Often, the ghost’s motivation is the key to the narrative drive of the story. This unsettling mystery is what makes a ghost story so compelling.