Haunted House Character Ideas

Press New character for who haunts the house, which room, the costume, the prop and what happens as you pass.

Haunted House Character Ideas: 30 characters

A groundskeeper who rakes leaves by moonlight, at the open wardrobe, beside a row of empty hangers, wearing a nightgown too long by a foot, holding a crayon picture of the house, signed in wobbly capitals. As you pass: asks whether the house expects you, then turns away.

Padlock: keep a part. Arrows: change only that part.

  • Charactergroundskeeper who rakes leaves by moonlight
  • Whereat the open wardrobe, beside a row of empty hangers
  • Wearinga nightgown too long by a foot
  • Holdinga crayon picture of the house, signed in wobbly capitals
  • As you passasks whether the house expects you, then turns away
Set a timer

5:00

History (0)

Every character you make is kept here, newest first, up to the last 20. The list stays in this browser.

    Character of the day

     

    1. A groundskeeper who rakes leaves by moonlight, at the open wardrobe, beside a row of empty hangers, wearing a nightgown too long by a foot, holding a crayon picture of the house, signed in wobbly capitals. As you pass: asks whether the house expects you, then turns away.
    2. A coachman whose coach left a century ago, at the open wardrobe, beside a row of empty hangers, wearing a dust coat the color of the dust, holding a moon-shaped night-light, glowing pale. As you pass: practices a smile and gets it nearly right.
    3. A beekeeper whose bees make no sound, on the gallery above the hall, wearing a dust coat the color of the dust, holding a hand mirror bouncing one bright dot around. As you pass: turns an invisible knob and steps over an invisible sill.
    4. A carol singer who is out in the wrong season, in the hedge maze, where the path gives up, wearing a leather apron and a row of empty tool loops, holding a bouquet that has dried to paper. As you pass: puts a finger to the lips, though you said nothing.
    5. A lion-faced doorknocker, off its door for the evening, in the map room, beside the big globe, wearing overalls and a patch on each knee, holding a wind-up bird that sings when nobody winds it. As you pass: mouths a speech and waits for applause.
    6. A carol singer who is out in the wrong season, beside the rocking horse in the nursery, wearing an apron whose pocket is stitched closed, holding a three-rung stepladder that reaches nothing. As you pass: sighs, and something nearby rustles.
    7. A photographer waiting for everyone to stop blinking, at the well in the yard, wearing an eye mask for sleeping, shoved up into the hair, holding a string of paper lanterns, unlit. As you pass: lifts a finger, and a far clock chimes thirteen.
    8. A lodger from the room with no number, at the foot of the four-poster bed, wearing slippers that used to be rabbits, holding a candlestick whose candle has burned to nothing. As you pass: peers at you between the fingers.
    9. A lady of the house who is still late for the ball, beside the grandfather clock in the hall, wearing a shawl of old lace, yellow at the edges, holding a gravy boat with nothing in it but a spoon. As you pass: points, without a word, toward where you entered.
    10. A playing-card king who slipped out of the deck, in the linen closet, wearing hair curlers under a net, holding a three-armed candelabra and one candle in it. As you pass: grows an inch, or seems to, as you draw level.
    11. A beekeeper whose bees make no sound, at the coal chute, wearing gloves of two different sizes, holding a candlestick whose candle has burned to nothing. As you pass: leans slowly to one side, like a picture hung crooked.
    12. A lodger from the room with no number, on the doormat, one pace into the hall, wearing sleeve garters and a green eyeshade, holding the minute hand of a clock. As you pass: has turned around by your second glance.
    13. A stern and very pale founder of the family, under the dust sheets in the nursery, wearing an eye mask for sleeping, shoved up into the hair, holding a doorknob from a door nobody can find. As you pass: points, without a word, toward where you entered.
    14. A cook who is sure the soup was hot a moment ago, at the iron gate, under its rusty arch, wearing a blanket with its laundry mark showing, holding a hand mirror bouncing one bright dot around. As you pass: measures the ground in paces and writes nothing down.
    15. A mail carrier whose delivery is a hundred years overdue, beside the dry fountain, wearing an empty picture frame hung around the neck, holding a dinner gong and a soft beater. As you pass: turns to the nearest wall as though it had spoken.
    16. A gardener who has brought the outdoors in, at the head of the dining table, wearing slippers that used to be rabbits, holding a fob watch ticking counterclockwise. As you pass: tips a hat that is not there.
    17. A painted ancestor who climbed out of the picture, on the highest stair, peering over the rail, wearing a top hat with a dent the shape of a doorframe, holding a croquet mallet for a walking stick. As you pass: polishes the air where a doorknob used to be.
    18. A stern and very pale founder of the family, by the fire in the drawing room, wearing a length of bell pull for a scarf, holding a doorknob from a door nobody can find. As you pass: turns the page of an invisible book.
    19. A painted ancestor who climbed out of the picture, under the porch lamp, wearing an eye mask for sleeping, shoved up into the hair, holding a candle with a battery flame. As you pass: stands so still that dust settles.
    20. A child of the house who is up long past bedtime, facing the cloudy looking glass in the hall, wearing a floor-length frock, gray to the knee with dust, holding a flashlight aimed up at the chin. As you pass: swivels the head after you, a beat behind.
    21. A grandfather who nods off between sentences, in the larder with the door ajar, wearing a raincoat that drips although the weather is dry, holding a birdcage with only a small swing in it. As you pass: grows an inch, or seems to, as you draw level.
    22. A clock winder who is always one clock behind, by the dumbwaiter hatch, wearing a length of bell pull for a scarf, holding a sealed letter addressed to the house itself. As you pass: swivels the head after you, a beat behind.
    23. A ferryman from the lake at the bottom of the garden, in the alcove under the stairs, wearing a nightgown too long by a foot, holding a candlestick whose candle has burned to nothing. As you pass: sniffs the air and says rain by midnight.
    24. A nutcracker down from the mantelpiece for the night, beside the grandfather clock in the hall, wearing a maid's cap pinned on crooked, holding a wind-up bird that sings when nobody winds it. As you pass: curtsies to somebody behind you.
    25. A stern and very pale founder of the family, at the window of the tower room, wearing a velvet cloak that drags a yard behind, holding a photograph of the house with one more window. As you pass: leans slowly to one side, like a picture hung crooked.
    26. A grandfather who nods off between sentences, on the porch, beside a swing that moves by itself, wearing one white glove and no other, holding a candle snuffer on a long handle. As you pass: ducks behind a thing half as wide as a shoulder.
    27. A master of the house who greets guests by wrong names, beside the dry fountain, wearing striped pajamas and one slipper, holding a dance card with every line blank. As you pass: sniffs the air and says rain by midnight.
    28. A lion-faced doorknocker, off its door for the evening, at the scullery sink, wearing a suit cut from the same cloth as the curtains, holding a dance card with every line blank. As you pass: announces you to nobody at all.
    29. A ghost who is new and apologizes to the walls, in the study, behind the big desk, wearing a quilted bed jacket tied with a ribbon, holding a crayon picture of the house, signed in wobbly capitals. As you pass: looks relieved, as if you were the one expected.
    30. A piano tuner who cannot find the last note, on the front steps, between the stone lions, wearing a dust sheet with the shape of a chair still in it, holding a birthday candle on a saucer. As you pass: waltzes three steps with no partner, then stops.

    Next step Dress a Halloween monsterMore Halloween things to draw

    Character: all 60 characters

    The staff 12

    • boot boy who shines shoes nobody wears Kneel low and look up from under the brows, quick and eager to please.
    • butler who has counted the guests twice Stand very straight. The lips move while counting and the eyes stay on the door.
    • chimney sweep who took a wrong turn in the flue Gray powder on the face with a pale ring left clean around each eye.
    • clock winder who is always one clock behind Tilt the head to listen, look worried, hurry three steps and listen again.
    • coachman whose coach left a century ago Hold both fists out in front as if on reins, and click the tongue now and then.
    • cook who is sure the soup was hot a moment ago A puzzled frown and a dab of white on the nose and one cheek.
    • footman who announces guests nobody can see Face an empty doorway, wait, then nod as though someone had walked in.
    • gardener who has brought the outdoors in Dry leaves in the hair and on both shoulders. Walk as if the carpet were soft earth.
    • governess still waiting for the lesson to start Chin up, lips pressed thin, one foot tapping without a sound.
    • housekeeper who still airs every empty room Fuss at the air with small tidy hands, as if a cushion were always out of line.
    • laundress who has folded one sheet since noon Arms spread wide and brought together, over and over, in a slow rhythm.
    • under-butler practicing the head butler's walk Three stiff steps, a wobble, a glance around, then three more.

    The family 12

    • child of the house who is up long past bedtime Rub one eye with a fist. Draw the figure small against a very tall doorway.
    • cousin who came for one weekend long ago Stay near the wall like a guest who does not want to be any trouble.
    • eldest son who cannot find the will Pat every pocket in turn, twice, with a polite and fading smile.
    • grandfather who nods off between sentences Let the chin sink to the chest, then start awake and carry on mid-thought.
    • grandmother who knows which stair creaks Step high over one invisible stair wherever the floor is flat.
    • great-aunt who was never actually invited Sit perfectly at home in the best spot and look faintly amused by everyone.
    • lady of the house who is still late for the ball One hand at the hair and one smoothing a skirt, always half turned to go.
    • master of the house who greets guests by wrong names A wide welcoming sweep of the arm and total confidence in the wrong name.
    • sleepwalking aunt who never bumps into anything Eyes half closed and arms loose at the sides. In a drawing, shut the eyes and tilt the head.
    • stern and very pale founder of the family Powder the face a shade lighter than the hands and never quite smile.
    • twin who speaks only in the plural Leave a body's width of empty space at one side, and glance into it often.
    • uncle back from a voyage nobody recalls Stand with the feet wide apart, as if the hall floor still rolled like a deck.

    Guests who never left 12

    • census taker who gets a different total each time Point at each person in turn while the lips count, then start again.
    • dinner guest still waiting for the soup Sit bolt upright with the elbows in and look hopefully toward the kitchen.
    • fortune teller who only predicts the weather Speak slowly with wide eyes, and make drizzle sound like destiny.
    • ghost hunter who is, without knowing it, the ghost Creep on tiptoe and look everywhere except down at the see-through feet.
    • hide-and-seek champion nobody has found yet Crouch with knees to chin and look enormously pleased about it.
    • house guest who has forgotten the way to bed Turn slowly on the spot, pointing down one corridor and then another.
    • lodger from the room with no number Give the hair a flat patch on one side, as from a very long nap.
    • party guest who missed the last carriage home Look at the door, then at the clock, then shrug with good grace.
    • photographer waiting for everyone to stop blinking Crouch a little with one arm raised, counting down from three and never arriving.
    • piano tuner who cannot find the last note Head cocked to one side, one finger pressing a key that is not there.
    • portrait painter who asks everyone to hold still Squint with one eye shut and measure each passer-by against a raised thumb.
    • singer who is saving the high note for later A hand on the chest and a deep breath that never turns into a song.

    The house itself 12

    • cardboard actor from the toy theater, still on its stick Slide sideways only, as if pushed along a slot, and never turn around.
    • cuckoo who has stepped out of the hall clock Lean out from the waist, call the hour once, and snap back upright.
    • figurehead from a ship, down off the wall for a walk Lean forward from the hips with the chin up and both arms pressed to the sides.
    • garden topiary that pulled up its roots for a stroll Green from head to foot, clipped square at the shoulders, with a few leaves out of place.
    • ghost who is new and apologizes to the walls Shoulders up by the ears and a small sorry wince at every doorframe.
    • lion-faced doorknocker, off its door for the evening A wide flat face with a ring gripped in the teeth, and not a word spoken.
    • nutcracker down from the mantelpiece for the night Stiff arms, a painted smile, and a jaw that drops open on a hinge.
    • painted ancestor who climbed out of the picture Paint a brown oval of shadow behind the shoulders, as if the background came along.
    • playing-card king who slipped out of the deck Stiff and flat, turning only sideways, with the same crown and collar front and back.
    • skeleton who used to model for the art class Hold a classroom pose, one hand on the hip, and keep it far too long.
    • suit of armor that walks when unwatched Move one joint at a time, and stop still whenever someone turns around.
    • wallpaper figure who peeled away from the pattern Dress in one flat pattern from head to foot, and stand against a wall of the same.

    Callers and outdoor folk 12

    • beekeeper whose bees make no sound Follow a slow invisible swarm with the eyes and a gentle turn of the head.
    • carol singer who is out in the wrong season Mouth held in a round O and a hopeful look at each closed door.
    • ferryman from the lake at the bottom of the garden Stand with the knees soft and the weight shifting, as on a flat boat.
    • gatekeeper who has lost the gate Stand guard with great dignity beside nothing at all.
    • groundskeeper who rakes leaves by moonlight Light the figure from one side only, cool and blue, with a long shadow.
    • mail carrier whose delivery is a hundred years overdue Check a house number that is not there and look apologetic about the delay.
    • neighbor who came to complain about the noise Arms folded, one eyebrow up, and gradually less sure there was any noise.
    • night watchman who has never seen a thing Yawn mid-patrol and look confidently in the wrong direction.
    • plumber who went looking for a dripping sound Ear turned to the ceiling, one finger raised for quiet, following a slow drip.
    • ship's lookout a long way from the sea Shade the eyes and scan the far wall as if it were the horizon.
    • station master whose timetable lists no trains Lean out to look down an invisible track, then check the wrist.
    • trick-or-treater from a Halloween long ago An old-fashioned mask of plain paper, with two round eyeholes and a pencil mouth.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Made up for this list: the staff, the family, the guests, the furniture and the callers of one invented house. Friendly-spooky by rule: nobody is hurt, armed, ill or chasing anyone, and no film, show, game or book is named. The notes say how to play or draw the part and are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

    Where: all 60 places

    Hall and stairs 12

    • at the foot of the stairs Light from above and behind, so the face is the last thing to be seen.
    • beside the grandfather clock in the hall Make the clock a head taller than the figure and stop its pendulum off center.
    • beside the hat rack, half behind the coats Coats hang in a row, and one pair of feet shows under them.
    • facing the cloudy looking glass in the hall Draw the mirror showing the hall behind and leave the figure out of it.
    • halfway up the stairs, beside the rail Tilt the whole picture a little so that the stairs feel steeper than they are.
    • in a doorway that was a wall yesterday Carry the wallpaper pattern right across the door, with a thin dark line around it.
    • in the alcove under the stairs A triangle of deep shadow, with only the hands and the face catching light.
    • on the doormat, one pace into the hall Lay a long rectangle of pale light across the floor, with a shadow standing in it.
    • on the gallery above the hall Show the figure from the waist up over a row of turned wooden posts.
    • on the highest stair, peering over the rail View from below. The feet are large and the head is small and far away.
    • on the landing where the stairs turn Draw the banister in front of the figure, like bars across the picture.
    • under the hall chandelier Hang the crystals low and give each one a single white dot of shine.

    The grand rooms 12

    • among the dust sheets in the parlor A sheet-covered row of furniture, with the figure the only thing left uncovered.
    • at the head of the dining table Run the table toward the viewer with a row of empty chairs down each side.
    • beside the billiard table A low hanging lamp makes a bright green rectangle and leaves the rest dark.
    • beside the piano, back to the keys Prop the piano lid open as a big dark wedge behind the shoulders.
    • by the fire in the drawing room Warm light from below on one side only, with a tall shadow up the wall.
    • by the window seat of the morning room Light from behind, so the figure is a dark shape with a bright edge.
    • in the ballroom, alone on the dance floor Leave a great deal of empty polished floor and one long reflection.
    • in the conservatory among the ferns Let the fronds overlap the figure, and cross the glass roof with thin lines.
    • in the library, at the foot of the ladder Lean the ladder across the picture and fill the background with book spines.
    • in the map room, beside the big globe Make the globe waist high and tilt its axis toward the figure.
    • in the portrait gallery, between two frames Give both painted faces eyes that are turned toward the figure.
    • in the study, behind the big desk Show the head and shoulders over a wall of stacked papers.

    Below stairs 12

    • among the galoshes in the boot room A line of boots along the wall, sorted by size, with one gap.
    • at the bottom of the cellar steps Light comes from the open door at the top, so the figure stands in a pale wedge.
    • at the coal chute Keep everything in three grays and save pure white for the eyes.
    • at the scullery sink One high small window, and a slant of light that lands on the hands.
    • beside the row of servants' bells A board of small bells on curled springs. Draw one of them blurred.
    • by the dumbwaiter hatch A square opening in the wall at chest height, with ropes running up out of sight.
    • in the kitchen, at the cold stove Hang a row of pans along the top of the picture, largest to smallest.
    • in the larder with the door ajar A thin slice of the figure shows through the gap: one eye, one shoulder.
    • in the laundry, between the hanging sheets Show only a shadow on a sheet at first glance, and feet underneath it.
    • in the pantry among the jars Shelves on both sides close in. Leave every jar label blank.
    • in the root cellar among the turnips Low arched ceiling. The figure stoops and the heaped roots are pale and round.
    • on the bench at the scrubbed kitchen table Put the figure at the far end, so the bare tabletop fills half the picture.

    Upstairs and the attic 12

    • at the dressing table in the best bedroom Three mirror panels show three angles of the room and none of the figure.
    • at the end of the bedroom corridor A row of shut doors down each side, and one that has light under it.
    • at the foot of the four-poster bed Four tall posts frame the figure, and the bed curtains are drawn shut.
    • at the little round pane high under the roof Seen from the garden: a small pale face in a circle, high in the roof.
    • at the open wardrobe, beside a row of empty hangers A dark gap between two doors, and one hand curled around the edge of a door.
    • at the window of the tower room A narrow arched window with the night behind, and the figure dark against it.
    • beside the claw-footed bathtub A white tub on four curled feet, with one hand resting on its rolled rim.
    • beside the rocking horse in the nursery Tip the horse forward as if it had only just stopped.
    • in the attic, among the trunks Slope the roof down on both sides and send one beam of light through the dust.
    • in the linen closet Stacks of folded white on every shelf, and the figure fitted between two of them.
    • in the schoolroom, at the smallest desk Stand a tall figure beside a tiny desk, with the desktop no higher than the knee.
    • under the dust sheets in the nursery Small sheeted shapes all around: a crib, a toy chest, a little chair.

    Outside the house 12

    • at the iron gate, under its rusty arch Iron bars in front and the house small and dark behind, with one lit window.
    • at the well in the yard A low ring of stone and a rope going down. Keep the figure an arm's length back.
    • at the window of the garden shed Four small panes, one of them cracked, with flowerpots stacked on the sill.
    • beside the dry fountain Brown leaves fill the basin. A stone fish on top spouts nothing.
    • between the rows of the pumpkin patch Round orange shapes, low and scattered, with the figure the only upright thing.
    • by the sundial on the lawn Moonlight throws a shadow on the dial that points to no hour at all.
    • in the greenhouse, behind the fogged glass A blurred gray shape, and one clear patch that a hand has wiped.
    • in the hedge maze, where the path gives up Three tall green walls close around the figure, with a strip of sky on top.
    • on the front steps, between the stone lions Make both lions look a little bored, and give one a chipped ear.
    • on the porch, beside a swing that moves by itself Draw the chains at a slight angle, so the empty swing is plainly moving.
    • under the old oak by the drive Bare branches reach in from the top corners like the fingers of two hands.
    • under the porch lamp A cone of yellow light with moths in it, and everything outside it deep blue.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Made up for this list: the rooms and corners of one large old house and its garden. The notes say where to stand a player or how to light a drawing and are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

    Wearing: all 60 outfits

    Evening dress, a century late 15

    • a bow tie that has slipped around to the back An empty collar at the front, and two points of the bow showing behind the neck.
    • a dinner jacket with moth holes like stars Small round holes in clusters, with a lighter shirt showing through each.
    • a floor-length frock, gray to the knee with dust Fade the bottom of the skirt into the floor color with soft strokes.
    • a monocle on a ribbon, with no glass in it A thin gold ring at the eye. Draw the lashes passing straight through it.
    • a powdered wig that sits down over the eyebrows Draw a small puff of white rising from it at every nod.
    • a sash and a medal for something forgotten A wide ribbon from shoulder to hip, and a blank disc where the words would be.
    • a shawl of old lace, yellow at the edges Tint the border the color of weak tea and leave the middle white.
    • a starched collar that has sprung loose on one side A stiff white wing sticking up beside the jaw.
    • a tailcoat gone gray with dust Pat pale powder onto the shoulders and the tops of the sleeves, where dust would settle.
    • a top hat with a dent the shape of a doorframe One straight crease down the front of the crown, with a shadow inside it.
    • a velvet cloak that drags a yard behind Give the trailing hem a gray edge and one dry leaf that came along.
    • a vest fastened one button out The two front edges sit at different heights, with one empty buttonhole at the top.
    • an evening dress whose trimming is all cobweb Draw the webs as thin spokes and loops hanging in swags from the hem.
    • one white glove and no other Keep the gloved hand a little forward of the body, so it is noticed first.
    • opera gloves, one of them inside out One glove smooth and shiny, the other with its seams showing as ridges.

    Nightclothes 15

    • a bathrobe monogrammed for a stranger Two curly letters on the chest pocket that match nobody's name.
    • a bedspread draped like a royal robe Pin it at one shoulder and let the fringe sweep the ground.
    • a blanket with its laundry mark showing Gray wool, with a small square of red stitched letters at one corner.
    • a dressing gown and a cord that trails behind The cord runs back along the floor like a tail, with a frayed tassel.
    • a nightcap with a bell on the end A long soft cone flopped over one shoulder, with a small round bell at its tip.
    • a nightgown too long by a foot Pool the cloth on the floor and hide both feet.
    • a nightshirt and a watch chain A plain long shirt with a chain looped across the front, pinned at both ends.
    • a pillowcase tucked in at the collar like a bib A white rectangle on the chest with a frilled edge and one crease.
    • a quilted bed jacket tied with a ribbon Draw diamond stitching, puffed a little, and a limp bow at the neck.
    • a sleeping cap pulled down over one ear Tilt it so that one eyebrow is hidden and the other is raised.
    • an eye mask for sleeping, shoved up into the hair A dark band above the eyebrows, with two closed eyes stitched on it.
    • bed socks worn through at both heels Two thick socks bagging at the ankle, each with a pale heel showing.
    • hair curlers under a net Rows of small cylinders with a fine grid drawn over them.
    • slippers that used to be rabbits Two flattened shapes, each with one ear left and a button for an eye.
    • striped pajamas and one slipper Run the stripes down the legs and across the chest pocket.

    Working clothes 15

    • a chef's hat that has gone flat The tall puff has sunk to one side like a cake that fell.
    • a coachman's cape with three collars Three overlapping half circles of cloth, stepped down over the shoulders.
    • a doorkeeper's coat with a numeral on each lapel A small brass digit on each side. Pick any two.
    • a dust coat the color of the dust A long plain coat in one flat gray-brown, the same tone as the wall behind.
    • a flat cap tugged down to the nose The peak hides the eyes, so the mouth has to do all the acting.
    • a leather apron and a row of empty tool loops Stiff brown, with the loops sagging open across the chest.
    • a livery jacket that has lost a middle button A row of bright dots down the front, and one loose thread where the gap is.
    • a maid's cap pinned on crooked A small frilled half circle sitting over one ear instead of on top.
    • a raincoat that drips although the weather is dry Shiny highlights on the shoulders, and a few drops in the air under the hem.
    • a striped vest faded to two grays Narrow upright stripes with hardly any difference between them.
    • an apron whose pocket is stitched closed A line of large cross stitches closes the top of the pocket.
    • garden clogs crusted with pale clay Draw them a little too large, with the clay cracked like a dry riverbed.
    • long gardening gloves, earth to the elbows Dark fingers and wide stiff cuffs that stand away from the arms.
    • overalls and a patch on each knee Make the two patches different patterns, sewn on with big uneven stitches.
    • sleeve garters and a green eyeshade The shade throws a colored shadow over the top half of the face.

    Borrowed from the house 15

    • a chandelier crystal on a string, for a pendant A long cut drop on the chest that throws a small rainbow on the cloth.
    • a dust sheet with the shape of a chair still in it Square folds stand out at the shoulders where the chair back used to be.
    • a fur collar with one glass eye A soft dark band at the neck, and a single bright dot that catches the light.
    • a hearth rug over the shoulders, fringe and all Heavy and patterned, with a darker worn patch in the middle of the back.
    • a lace doily pinned on like a collar A white circle of holes and scallops around the neck, a little off center.
    • a length of bell pull for a scarf A flat embroidered band wrapped once around the neck, with a tassel at each end.
    • a long gray veil that never quite settles Draw the edge lifted a little on one side, as if in a draft.
    • a napkin ring on each thumb Two wide silver bands, each a little too big, kept on by crooked thumbs.
    • a parcel tag strung from the top buttonhole A buff card tag on a string. Leave the address line blank.
    • a ruff of folded sheet music Paper pleats around the neck, with staves and a few notes on every fold.
    • a suit cut from the same cloth as the curtains Match the pattern exactly, so the figure half vanishes when it stands by a window.
    • a tablecloth for a shawl, one corner stained with tea White cloth with a faint woven pattern and a single brown ring.
    • an empty picture frame hung around the neck A gold rectangle on the chest, with the costume showing through the middle.
    • cobwebs from shoulder to shoulder, like a stole Soft gray swags with a few fine straight threads running down the arms.
    • gloves of two different sizes One hand looks neat and the other has empty fingertips that flop.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Made up for this list: clothes a home or a classroom can put together from a dress-up box, bedding and cardstock. The notes say how to make or draw each one and are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

    Holding: all 60 props

    Lights 15

    • a birthday candle on a saucer One thin striped candle, standing very small in a wide white circle.
    • a candle snuffer on a long handle A small brass cone on a rod, held upright like a staff.
    • a candle with a battery flame A cream tube with a small still teardrop of orange light on top.
    • a candlestick whose candle has burned to nothing A brass stem, and a frozen puddle of wax where the candle was.
    • a desk lamp on a cord that plugs into nothing A small shade on a bent arm, and a plug swinging at the end of the cord.
    • a flashlight aimed up at the chin Light from below turns the shadows upside down, with dark above the cheeks and brows.
    • a glow stick worn down to a faint green A thin rod held like a wand, lighting only the fingers around it.
    • a hand mirror bouncing one bright dot around Draw the bright oval on the far wall and a faint beam leading back to the glass.
    • a jar with a glow in it and no bug Soft light fills the whole jar evenly, with no bright point anywhere.
    • a lantern with fireflies in it A glass box holding a few yellow-green dots, each with a soft halo.
    • a long unlit taper for lamps too high to reach A thin rod twice the height of the figure, held upright like a fishing pole.
    • a moon-shaped night-light, glowing pale A pale curve that lights the palm of the hand and nothing else.
    • a signal lantern showing green A squat lamp with a round colored lens that tints the knuckles.
    • a string of paper lanterns, unlit Pale round shapes on a sagging line, looped over one arm.
    • a three-armed candelabra and one candle in it Two empty cups, and a single battery flame set in the middle one.

    Trays and tableware 15

    • a cake stand and one crumb Three empty tiers and a single dot on the lowest plate.
    • a dinner gong and a soft beater A brass disc hanging in a small frame, with a padded stick held ready.
    • a feather duster worn down to the quills A handle with a ring of bare spines and three feathers left.
    • a gravy boat with nothing in it but a spoon A low silver pitcher with a curved lip, and a spoon handle sticking out.
    • a menu written in ink too faded to read A tall card with a decorated border and pale lines where the dishes were.
    • a napkin folded into a swan White cloth with a curved neck, carried flat on an open palm.
    • a pitcher of water that never spills Hold it at a steep tilt and draw the water line level all the same.
    • a sandglass whose trickle runs uphill Two glass bulbs. Draw the thin stream of grains rising into the full top one.
    • a silver dish cover and nothing under it A polished dome lifted a hand's width above a bare plate.
    • a small brass handbell Hold it by the handle, mouth down, with one finger pinning the clapper still.
    • a soup ladle, carried like a scepter Upright in one fist, with the bowl of the ladle level with the ear.
    • a teacup that rattles on its saucer Draw two or three small curved lines beside the cup to show the shake.
    • a toast rack with letters filed in it Envelopes standing upright between the wire loops.
    • a tray of calling cards, every one blank Small white rectangles, fanned out and squared off neatly.
    • a tray with a single key A wide silver oval, and a small dark key lying exactly in the middle of it.

    Keepsakes and papers 15

    • a ball of yarn unwinding out of sight A single line of yarn runs out of the picture along the floor.
    • a birdcage with only a small swing in it A domed wire cage. Draw the perch tilted, as if something had just left.
    • a bouquet that has dried to paper Brown and cream flower heads, with a few fallen petals on the sleeve.
    • a crayon picture of the house, signed in wobbly capitals A square house, a triangle roof, and a stick figure at each window.
    • a dance card with every line blank A small folded card with a tiny pencil hanging from it on a cord.
    • a diary with a ribbon marking tomorrow A small locked book. The ribbon hangs from a page near the back.
    • a doorknob from a door nobody can find A faceted glass knob on a short square spindle.
    • a fob watch ticking counterclockwise An open round case on a chain. Curve a small arrow the wrong way around the dial.
    • a glass paperweight with a tiny copy of the house inside A clear dome with a small dark roofline set deep inside it.
    • a jigsaw piece from a puzzle finished long ago One knobbly piece, pinched between two fingers and held up to the light.
    • a photograph of the house with one more window Sepia brown, with a white border, and one window drawn a little brighter.
    • a sealed letter addressed to the house itself A cream envelope with a wax seal and one line of looping handwriting.
    • a seating plan for a dinner long over A big sheet with an oval table and a ring of names too small to read.
    • a sign-in ledger with every line bare A wide book across both forearms, with ruled lines and a ribbon marker.
    • a wind-up bird that sings when nobody winds it A small tin bird with a key in its back and an open beak.

    Things that should stay put 15

    • a carpet beater shaped like a clover A woven cane loop on a handle, held up like a tennis racket.
    • a croquet mallet for a walking stick A long handle and a striped barrel head resting on the floor.
    • a doorbell on a wire, attached to no door A round push button, and a curl of cable that ends in the air.
    • a glass dome with a stuffed owl under it Draw the reflection as one curved white stripe down the glass.
    • a globe that spins the wrong way A ball on a tilted axis, with blurred lines to show it turning.
    • a hobby horse with a wool mane A stick with a stuffed horse head on top, tucked under one arm.
    • a long-handled net for scooping up drafts A long pole and a pale mesh bag that billows, with nothing in it.
    • a parasol held up against the moonlight A pale frilled dome overhead, tilted as if toward the moon, with one bent rib.
    • a piano key, middle C One long white bar with its wooden tail, held out as if it mattered.
    • a three-rung stepladder that reaches nothing Carry it over one shoulder and look up at the ceiling now and then.
    • a tuning fork that is still ringing A two-pronged steel fork. Double the outline of both prongs.
    • a watering can with a spider in the spout Eight thin legs show at the end of the long neck.
    • the minute hand of a clock A long black pointer with an arrow tip, held like a conductor's baton.
    • one chess piece, the black knight A small carved horse head on a round base, standing on an open palm.
    • the round knob off the end of the banister A polished wooden ball the size of a grapefruit, cradled in both hands.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Made up for this list: props that can be found in a house or cut from cardstock. The notes say how to make or draw each one and are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

    As you pass: all 60 actions

    Greets you 15

    • announces you to nobody at all Face away from the guest and speak to the empty air.
    • asks if you have seen the cat, then describes a dog Hold a hand at knee height to show the size, then raise it to the waist.
    • asks whether the house expects you, then turns away Turn away on the last word of the question.
    • bows a heartbeat after you have gone by Wait until the guest is two steps beyond, then bow to the place they were.
    • curtsies to somebody behind you Fix the eyes just over the guest's shoulder and keep them there.
    • nods you onward, eyes on the way ahead A slow dip of the head and a sideways look, with nothing else moving.
    • offers a chair that is not there Both hands draw back an invisible chair and wait beside it.
    • says good evening in a voice like a drawer closing Low, slow and wooden. In a drawing, letter the words small and square.
    • stands aside with enormous ceremony One long step back and a sweep of the free arm, held like a pose.
    • tells you kindly that you are late A small sad smile and a glance at an empty wrist.
    • thanks you for coming to a party long over Look around at nothing at all with real fondness.
    • tips a hat that is not there Pinch the air above the forehead and lift it a hand's width.
    • warns of a third stair on a perfectly flat floor Point at the flat floor with great concern.
    • waves with the fingers only Keep the arm still at the side and ripple four fingers one after another.
    • welcomes you home by a name that is not yours Say it warmly and with complete certainty.

    Carries on regardless 15

    • cups an ear, listens to nothing and nods One hand behind the ear and the eyes sliding sideways.
    • hums one bar and stops Always the same five notes, cut off on the same one.
    • lays a place at a table nobody else can see Set down a plate, a fork and a knife in the air, in that order.
    • measures the ground in paces and writes nothing down Heel to toe in a straight line, lips moving, then a shake of the head.
    • mouths a speech and waits for applause Big clear lip shapes, a pause, and a modest little nod.
    • mutters numbers and gets stuck at seven Start again from one each time, a little more worried.
    • polishes the air where a doorknob used to be Cup one hand and rub small circles with the heel of the other.
    • practices a smile and gets it nearly right Too many teeth first, then too few, then hold the third try.
    • raps three times on wood and waits for an answer Three knocks on anything wooden, a long listen, and a satisfied look.
    • sorts invisible letters into invisible slots Flick the wrist left, right, up, as though the pigeonholes were on the wall.
    • straightens an invisible picture, then nods Tilt it, step back, tilt it back, and nod.
    • turns the page of an invisible book Wet one fingertip, turn the page, and let the eyes travel down it.
    • waltzes three steps with no partner, then stops Arms held in a frame around nobody, and a small cough after.
    • winds a watch that is not there Thumb and finger twist at the other wrist in small clicks.
    • wipes one invisible smudge again and again Keep the eyes on the guest and the hand circling by itself.

    Notices you 15

    • asks what year it is and does not believe you Lean back at the answer, eyebrows up, and laugh politely.
    • counts your buttons with one finger, from a distance A finger ticking down the air, the lips moving, and a nod at the total.
    • ducks behind a thing half as wide as a shoulder Stand sideways and very thin, with both elbows plainly showing.
    • freezes like a statue until you have gone Stop mid-gesture, off balance if possible, and do not blink.
    • gasps as if you were the ghost A hand flies to the chest and the eyes go round.
    • looks at your shoes, then at the carpet, and sighs Three slow moves of the eyes and a breath out through the nose.
    • looks relieved, as if you were the one expected The shoulders drop, a breath goes out, and one hand presses flat to the chest.
    • peers at you between the fingers Spread one hand across the face, with one eye in the widest gap.
    • points, without a word, toward where you entered A straight arm, a level finger and no expression at all.
    • puts a finger to the lips, though you said nothing Hold it there, with the eyes turned up toward the ceiling.
    • smiles past you at somebody who is not there Focus on a point far behind the guest and smile at it.
    • sniffs the air and says rain by midnight Nose up, two short sniffs and a knowing nod.
    • starts to say something and forgets what Mouth open, one finger raised, then both drift slowly down.
    • swivels the head after you, a beat behind Move only the head, and start just after the guest has gone by.
    • tallies your group and finds an extra guest Point at each guest in turn, then at the empty space at the end.

    Something odd happens 15

    • drops into a deep bow and stays there Fold at the waist and hold it until the guest is out of sight.
    • fades to a whisper in the middle of a word Start at full voice and run out of sound, with the lips still going.
    • grows an inch, or seems to, as you draw level Rise slowly onto the toes under a long hem, then sink back down.
    • has turned around by your second glance Turn around quietly on the spot as soon as the guest has gone by.
    • hears a bell you cannot, and stands to attention A sudden straight back, and the head turned toward a far room.
    • laughs in total silence, shoulders shaking Mouth wide open and head thrown back, with not a sound coming out.
    • leans back into the shadow and is gone Stand at the edge of the dark and lean back until the face goes out of the light.
    • leans slowly to one side, like a picture hung crooked Tip from the ankles, hold, and straighten with a small click of the tongue.
    • lifts a finger, and a far clock chimes thirteen Pause after each stroke, and look pleased at the extra one.
    • seems to flicker, like a lamp running low Sway a hand's width to each side, quick and small, then hold still.
    • sighs, and something nearby rustles A helper out of sight shakes a paper bag once.
    • stands so still that dust settles Powder on the shoulders and on the top of the head shows how long it has been.
    • turns an invisible knob and steps over an invisible sill Open a door in the air, step through to the same spot, and close it behind.
    • turns to the nearest wall as though it had spoken A sharp look at the wall, a short listen, and a small nod of agreement.
    • whistles two notes and something out of sight answers A second player out of sight repeats the notes a little lower.
    How this list was compiled

    Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Made up for this list: one small thing for a character to do as a guest walks by. In every one the character keeps to its own spot: nobody touches, follows or stands in the way of a guest. The notes are for whoever plays or draws the part and are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

    How it works

    Each result casts one part for a home or school haunted house: a character, the room it keeps to, a costume, a prop and one small thing it does as a guest walks by. Spooky, never gory.

    Read the full guide

    Cast the house room by room

    Press once for each helper and note the room. All five lists are written out under the tool, so a part can also be chosen by hand: the staff, the family, guests who never left, pieces of the house that walk about, and callers at the door.

    A note on every entry

    Each line in the lists carries a note for whoever plays or draws the part: how the butler stands, where the light falls on the stairs, what the dust sheet looks like, what shape the prop is.

    • Give each player the one action and nothing more. A single repeated gesture is easy to keep up.
    • For a drawing, light the figure from one side and let the room go dark behind it.

    Questions and answers

    What characters are in a haunted house?

    On this page: the staff, such as a butler, a housekeeper and a cook; the family; guests who never left; pieces of the house that walk about, such as a suit of armor; and callers, such as a mail carrier with a very late delivery.

    How scary are the characters?

    They are odd and quiet. Nobody on the lists is hurt, armed or unwell, and nothing is gory. In every action the character keeps to its own spot: none touches, follows or stands in the way of a guest.

    Are any of the characters from a film or a game?

    No. Every character, room, costume, prop and action was written for this page, and no film, show, game or book is named.

    Can I use the ideas for a drawing?

    Yes. The result is one sentence that holds a figure, a setting, a costume, a prop and a moment, which is a whole picture. The notes in the lists say where the light comes from and what the hands are doing.

    More tools

    Show 6 more

    Browse Characters