Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ghost stories are fictional tales involving supernatural elements like spirits, hauntings, or paranormal occurrences. They are often told for entertainment purposes but can evoke feelings of fear or dread.
Related terms
Folklore: Folklore refers to traditional customs, beliefs, legends, songs, and stories passed down through generations within a particular culture.
Suspense: Suspense is an emotional state of uncertainty and anticipation experienced when waiting for something unknown or potentially dangerous to happen.
Imagery refers to vivid descriptions that create mental pictures using sensory details such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. Ghost stories often rely on imagery to enhance their impact on listeners' imagination.