My character is a ghost -- what are some characteristics she should have? (ie: can't remember being alive)?

Question

My character "Jane" is a ghost. I've only read one story in which the protagonist is a ghost and I hated it because the character basically floats around and starts dissapearing one body part at a time. Other than that, he's like anyone else -- well no one can see him.

Should Jane remember her death? Remember being alive? Be able to sleep? Walk through walls? Haunt anyone she doesn't like? Be sad and depressed because she is dead? Appear disoriented and confused?

Answer 1

Was her death traumatic? If so, maybe she is angry/ confused/ ashamed/ melancholic and afraid of going to Heaven out of fear of judgment.

Maybe she remembers her life and relives it (or certain routines) over and over like a flickbook.

Also she may be defensive of her space and be protective of it, scare people away from it.

I don't think she should walk through walls as an apperition, how about she travels in a small light form (e.g. an "orb" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orb_(photog... )

That's all i can think of for now...

Answer 2

You say you've only read one other story with a ghost for a protagonist. For another one that may give you food for thought, try Peter S. Beagle's "A Fine And Private Place."

Answer 3

I like the idea of confusion and disorientation.  Perhaps she was religious - if I got turned into a ghost instead of going to Heaven, as I had suspected/been told I would all my life I'd be angry, confused, wtf, etc.

Depending on how she died, it would be interesting to play around with the memory of death.  If she died in her sleep, it would be awesome to have her get up the next day, and try to get dressed only to find out she couldn't manipulate solid objects like clothes anymore.

I think that instead of 'haunting' people in the traditional 'ghost - woooooo' way, she should have the ability to effect their emotions, or perhaps even their thoughts to a small degree.  Maybe she could learn a hard lesson when someone she is trying to communicate with thinks he/she is going mad and checks into a mental institution for help.

All just ideas - best of luck.

EDIT:

Thanks!

Answer 4

It just depends. If I were writing the story, I would do research into the first legends of ghosts to see how they used to behave. But then, it's your story, do whatever you want that will help the story the most.

Answer 5

well I think "jane" should feel a little bit alive. Her soul should enter to another man's/woman's body to feel that!

Would that be all right?