The Power Of Christ Compells You! - Writers Forum

Heid · 12-08-2005, 08:34 AM

Strictly speaking I don't think this should go under "Research" but I didn't know where else to put it.

Towards the end of my novel our main character will come face to face with what he considers an evil ghost. (kind of like a villain but not in the traditional sense) Now he needs a way of getting rid of the ghost, however he has minimal items to use (so no crucifixes, bibles, proton packs etc.) and his knowledge of paranormal investigation and such is about the same as my knowledge of quantum physics (Not very good, in other words).

So I wonder if anyone else can suggest a way for him to 'destroy' the ghost.

I only need this part then I can re-write my plot and get cracking on the actual novel itself.

Cheers in advance!

SeattleGhostWriter · 12-08-2005, 11:59 AM

Heid - It depends upon the nature of the M.C. First off, what are his religious beliefs? This would affect how he would approach the situation. If he is very devout in his religious beliefs, then it would be based upon how he would "defeat" this evil spirit.

For instance, if he is a devout conservative christian, who is strong in his faith, then he would call up on God in a prayer. He would recite scripture passages - rather internally, or externally.

If he is LDS, (which I have never seen an LDS Character in a paranormal piece of literature) then he would always carry a vial of consecrated olive oil on him. More than that, if he is a faith member of the LDS Faith, strong in his conviction and testimony, he would rely upon the Priesthood he holds.

If he is catholic, most catholics I know who are very devout, always carry rosery beads on them. I am not sure how a Catholic would handle an evil spirit.

If the Person is wiccan or of other various beliefs, you would have to do some research in how they view the idea and concepts of Ghosts and the paranormal. You would have to see how they handle such appearances of hauntings. How they perform their own "exorcism" of the spirit. I would also study up on paranormal activities regarding hauntings, exorcists, and the such.

I hope this information helps you out.

Heid · 12-09-2005, 05:40 AM

What if my MC is non-religious and cynical (doesn't - or didn't - believe in ghosts) and he has no artifacts on him or knows any prayers or passages that could help him?

In James Herbert's "Haunted" his MC came face to face with a similar situation towards the end (similar but not identical) and he simply fled the building. In my case my hero cannot do this (for reasons I won't go into - but I can assure you he cannot leave this building where this ghosts haunts him)

In other words, what do you suppose an "everday atheist" would do? I've looked on several sites and done google searches and so far yielded not alot.

However, the information you gave is quite useful and is certainley something to consider about my MC and his beliefs (if any).

Thank you.

blademasterzzz · 12-09-2005, 08:12 AM

Fight the ghost with a gas can and matches?
Or he could jsut torch the building down. Maybe accidentally, maybe on purpose.

ross · 12-09-2005, 08:42 AM

Is it possible he can either...
a) come to terms with the ghost.
b) come to understand the purpose behind the haunting. The reason maybe the removal from the building of an item; or change of use of the building; or structural alteration and such-like. By restoring the item to its proper place, or building to its orginal condition/use the spirit could be appeased.
c) identify and cut off the source of energy used by the spirit to enable it to manifest itself. Possibly an artifact or an actual energy - there are documented incidents of the power being drained from battery operated equipment during incidents of alleged paranormal activity. Maye the positioning of an artifact in the vecinity of laylines would allow energy to be created? By moving it away from them the power could be cut off.

There could be spins along those lines.
Is any of that of help?

mammamaia · 12-09-2005, 01:22 PM

heid, you seem to be forgetting the most important thing here... YOU are the designer of this ghost, right?... so you can get rid of him in any way you want...

it can be as simple as the character saying 'i don't believe in ghosts!' and having it disappear... or as complex as you want to make it, based on any existing fictional methods, or something new you dream up...

ross · 12-09-2005, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammamaia

heid, you seem to be forgetting the most important thing here... YOU are the designer of this ghost, right?... so you can get rid of him in any way you want...

Ultimately thats the actual answer! *grins*

Crazy_dude6662 · 12-09-2005, 03:23 PM

he could destroy the bones, sprinkle them with holy water.

or he could look it up online (if he has time)

use insence ect. be creative

SeattleGhostWriter · 12-09-2005, 03:37 PM

I think we have answered the question as best as we can. It is the author perogative.

Heid · 12-11-2005, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammamaia

heid, you seem to be forgetting the most important thing here... YOU are the designer of this ghost, right?... so you can get rid of him in any way you want...

it can be as simple as the character saying 'i don't believe in ghosts!' and having it disappear... or as complex as you want to make it, based on any existing fictional methods, or something new you dream up...

I think that response could be the answer to every single authors problems, ever.

A very true statement. Thank you mammamaia

Cheers everyone for the other responses. Who knew plotting a whole novel could be such a task?