History ARG / CatGhost

*** The Key is probably the biggest source of foreshadowing in the game, with lines upon lines referencing future events and reveals.

** Both Robert and Malone spoke through Key in the game ''Happybirthday'' before they appeared in the episodes.

** A recurring one is the typing of the word "murder". In ''Happybirthday'' and ''Window'', it causes [[spoiler:Narrah's skeleton]] to pop up as a JumpScare. In ''Exit'', [[spoiler:it unlocks a scene that is basically a WackyMarriageProposal from Kris Patrik to co-creator Alexis Ruiz]].

* YouBastard: In ''Dark Cavern'', choosing the Steal ending, which requires you to [[spoiler:emulate Bethany's kidnapping of the baby Narrah]], makes the game say “You are a monster!”

** In ''Unholy Circle'', putting in “reflection” when asked to enter your name will [[spoiler:let you play as the Watcher]].

*** Circle: [[spoiler:The screen shows Key in a circle of torches, with Malone and a young Elon next to it, as well as the sillhouettes of a large crowd of people, likely Malone’s coven.]]

* {{Animesque}}: Not the series itself, but some of the concept art, especially [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/catghost-investigations/images/e/e0/Elon_naarah_concept.png/revision/latest?cb=20191206104119 one]] depicting [[spoiler:the human Elon and Narrah]] that gives the latter big anime eyes. Her design was even based on Mio from ''Manga/{{Nichijou}}''.

* FailureIsTheOnlyOption: [[In ''Banana'', you will be caught by either Elon or the Watcher no matter what you do.]]

*** The Good Ending, where you collect less than five candles and [[AWinnerIsYou only get a screen with Good Ending on it]]. *** Bad Ending Unlocked, where you collect at least five candles, upon which a screen will let you know you have unlocked the Bad Ending.

!!Tropes Include

* DontGoInTheWoods: A location known as the Dark Forest serves as the setting for the first game and a scene from the third episode/game of Elon and Naarah in their human forms arguing about a ritual Elon wants to perform [[spoiler:implied to involve the sacrifice of a dog that's implied to be Naarah's]]. It is described by Key, who is located within it, as "a place of the cursed" and, as mentioned previously, witchcraft is performed there. When asked about it in Episode 8, Elon says "Nobody should ever go into it, nobody needs to go into it, don't go into it!".

* {{Foreshadowing}}:
** The secret ending in the game ''Banana'' leads to [[spoiler:a hidden page on the official website hosting a painting of human Elon and Naarah sitting on a cliff overlooking a large body of water. This foreshadows the ending of the episode ''Key''.]]
** Both Robert and Malone spoke through Key in the game ''Happybirthday'' before they appeared in the episodes.
* FourthWallMailSlot: The mysterious megalith known as "Key" responds to questions posed by players of "Happybirthday", the game released alongside the first episode. In addition, "Catghost 8" involves the characters answering questions from fans. The questions come in the form of recorded audio clips transmitted to the characters via a radio.

* JumpScare:
** In the games ''Happybirthday'' and ''Window'', [[spoiler:Naarah and Elon]]'s skeletons will suddenly pop up and close the game if the word "murder" is typed.
** In the game ''Banana,'' Elon can jump out at you while in her demon form. Alternatively, the Watcher will show up and jump at you instead.

* OminousVisualGlitch: [[sppiler:Elon and Narrah]]'s skeletons in the game "happybirthday" and [[spoiler:The SkinWalker/Evil Narrah]] in the Tony Crynight Speedpaint video glitch onscreen eerily, with creepy static in the former case.

* {{Retraux}}: Anything taking place inside the "Party Country" arcade machine is this. The games are sometimes in this style as are certain scenes in the videos.

* FunctionalMagic: ''Theurgy'' type. Elon and Naarah appear to be actual [[{{UsefulNotes/Wicca}} Wiccans]]. Notably, some of the rituals they perform are based off of actual religious practices. In Catghost 4 Circle, Elon and Naarah use a [[RitualMagic ritual]] in order to prevent the [[TheGhost "bowels of evil"]] from leaking into the sanctuary. [[spoiler:However, due to Gideon's meddling, the [[MagicMisfire ritual goes wrong]], [[BodySnatcher and a being possesses Naarah's]]... [[OurGhostsAreDiffernt ghost]]]].

-->'''Naarah:''' [[spoiler: Man, being dead… ''sucks.'']]

-->'''Elon:''' [[spoiler: I refuse. To believe. I'm dead!]]

-->[[spoiler:'''Elon:''' Oh, nobody important. ''[{{beat}}]'' [[LampshadeHanging Wait a minute…]] ]]

** In the games ''Happybirthday'' and ''Window'', [[spoiler:Naarah and Elon]]'s skeletons will suddenly pop up and close the game if the word “murder” is typed.

* MadDoctor: The game ''Banana'' mentions Dr. Crane, who apparently visits in the middle of the night to "make things right." However, according to Naarah, he's just "an old wive's tale to keep children from going out at night."

* MagicalRomani: Elon and her mentor Malone traveled around Colonial America in a wagon, all the while practicing witch-craft. Elon's presence in Gideon, Beth, and Naarah's town brought fears of gypsy activity along with it.
* MikeNelsonDestroyerOfWorlds: [[spoiler:Gideon and his clone accidentally bring about the end of the universe via prolonged contact with each other (i.e. passing salt and high fiving).]]
* MirrorMonster: In Episode 3, Elon is frightened by a dark figure, first in a small pocket mirror then in several large connected mirrors.

* NightmareFace: Elon's demonic form includes a terrifying set of teeth and flaming eyes.
** The SkinWalker also manifests as a NightmareFace, often while possessing or taking the form of other characters. It has empty holes instead of eyes and a mouth that looks like a crack.
%% ** [[https://youtu.be/1U19KfLuDFo?t=143 You are sinful! You are sinful! You are sinful!]]

* NoSenseOfHumor: Gideon cannot understand a simple knock-knock joke, which lands him in a small cell for two years.

* OminousVisualGlitch: Elon and Narrah's skeletons in the game "happybirthday" and Evil Narrah in the Tony Crynight Speedpaint video glitch onscreen eerily, with creepy static in the former case.
* OnlySaneMan: Gideon was the straight man for Elon and Naarah's antics in early episodes, although this role seems to be somewhat shifting to Elon, who tries to keep things in order as her friends just mess around.
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: Naarah cuddling, and later ''kissing'' Gideon while possessed. Lampshaded as she begins gagging when she comes to at the end of the episode.

** Gideon joining Robert’s cries when he realizes he’s a hedgehog, until Elon, annoyed, interrupts them.
** [[spoiler:The two Gideons passing stuff to each other while eating dinner, each taking a really long time to ask for an item, and pausing when receiving the item. All while staying completely deadpan.]]

* RedEyesTakeWarning: Elon and Naarah when they're angry and/or overly emotional.

* RuleOfThree: Three main characters, three circles on Key’s marking, the Trinity seen in the game ''Knock'', “three doors, three choices…”
* FunctionalMagic: ''Theurgy'' type Elon and Naarah appear to be [[{{UsefulNotes/Wicca}} Wiccans]]. Notably, some of the rituals they perform are based off of actual religious practices. In Catghost 4 Circle, Elon and Naarah use a [[RitualMagic ritual]] in order to prevent the [[TheGhost "bowels of evil"]] from leaking into the sanctuary. [[spoiler: However, due to Gideon's meddling, the [[MagicMisfire ritual goes wrong,]] [[BodySnatcher and a being possesses Naarahs]]... [[OurGhostsAreDiffernt ghost]]]].

* SkinWalker: The Skinwalker in this series is a recurring antagonistic force represented by a NightmareFace that possesses or takes the form of other characters.

** [[spoiler:Episode 8 ''Judgement'' is one long in-character Q&A]]
* SpecialThanks: At the end of the episode ''Circle,'' there is a special thanks to Beth. This becomes significant when [[spoiler: it’s revealed she is the blue-haired woman speaking in the flashback.]]

** [[CreatorCameo Kris Patrick and Alexis Ruiz answering a question as themselves]].

* {{Unperson}}: Elon appears to be trying to make Robert this, for unknown reasons.
-->'''Elon:''' What are you talking about? ''There is no banana.''
%% * VoiceOfTheLegion:
%% ** Elon and Naarah, when they get angry.
%% ** [[spoiler:Key, as revealed in the episode ''Key'']]

* AndTheAdventureContinues: At the end of [[spoiler: ''Acceptance'', a message appears:]]

** [[spoiler: The website now advertises a new upcoming video game called "The Legend Of Frog".]]
*** [[spoiler:Unfortunately, The Legend of Frog was cancelled]].
* ApocalypseHow ApocalypseHow/ClassX4: [[spoiler: [[MikeNelsonDestroyerOfWorlds Thanks to Gideon and his prolonged exposure to his doppelganger, he ends up causing the universe to explode]], causing Naarah, Elon and himself to end up some sort of limbo.]]

* ArmorPiercingQuestion: In the eighth episode, ''Judgement'', [[spoiler:Elon is asked, “Why did you run away?” She suddenly freezes up and is not able to answer the question.]]

* BerserkButton: You ''better'' like Elon and Naarah’s jokes...
* BigCreepyCrawlies: [[spoiler:Malone]] takes on the form of a large spider thing, who can make herself even bigger than Elon, a ''cat.''
* BilingualBonus: In the episode ''Judgement'', [[spoiler:Elon is asked whether she is truly good or just a monster. She responds with “¿Por qué no los dos?” Spanish for [[TakeAThirdOption “Why not both?”]] ]]

** [[spoiler:Episode 8 ''Judgement'' has the characters answering fan questions. When asked what role the audience plays in the series, Naarah replies, “If a tree fell in the woods, and no one is there to watch it, is it entertaining?”]]
** [[spoiler:The same episode includes a question from an audience member complimenting the work and asking what inspired the series. Gideon immediately starts speaking in the voice of creator Kris Patrick, thanking them and explaining the series was a combination of his love of psychological horror and comedy. Naraah then speaks in Alexis Ruiz's voice, thanking everyone for watching and promising more content in the near-future. Elon asks what they're talking about, and Gideon and Naraah go back to their normal voices having no memory of what just happened.]]
** In '"Acceptance'', [[spoiler: Malone talks to Elon about all of the "[[CreatorCareerSelfDeprecation continuity errors and sloppy writing]]", talks about how none of their reality is real and how Elon doesn't exist.]]
* BurnTheWitch: [[spoiler: Elon's human form was burned at the stake]], shown through flashbacks and game-information.
* CatsAreMagic: Elon can produce flames on her paws, curse others, and transform into a demonic creature. [[spoiler:Although it likely she could do these things while she was still human.]]
* CatsAreMean: Elon, as mentioned above, bullies Gideon, and beyond that is quite vain, gloating about how much prettier than others she considers herself even when it makes Naarah uncomfortable.
%% * CatsAreSnarkers: Elon, especially towards Gideon.
* CharacterizationMarchesOn:
** In the first two episodes, Gideon is almost always grumpy and loves sleeping to the point that he describes being awake as "a curse", but from about the third episode on, he's often portrayed as happy in a dopey sort of way, is sometimes hyperactive rather than perpetually sleepy, and is more likely to mention how much he enjoys doing chores than how much he likes to sleep. Elon and Naarah had to force him to hang out with them in the first two episodes, but by "Catghost 4 Circle" he's the one annoying them by barging in on activities they intended to do without him.
** Also, Elon was almost as immature as Naarah at first, doing things like laughing hysterically at her own cheesy knock-knock joke, while later she becomes the mother figure to Naarah's child, as evidenced by her scolding Naarah with the line "Do you know how worried sick I was" in "Catghost 6: Hole". Elon also took Gideon's place as the grouch of the three as the series went on, in contrast to her playfulness in the first two episodes.

** The taller red skeleton, [[spoiler:Elon,]] has red text.
** The shorter gray skeleton, [[spoiler:Naarah,]] has blue text.

** [[spoiler: When they were humans, Elon had red hair. She was burned to death with fire and can now produce fire from her paws. Narrah had blueish grey hair, was drowned in water, and is now in an all blue form that looks like bubbles.]]

* CruelAndUnusualDeath: [[spoiler:As customary with witch trials, Elon was burned at the stake, while Naarah was drown via cucking stool.]]
* CuteGhostGirl: Naarah is very childlike and cute because of it. She's aware of this too, in "Catghost 8" she says "I'm super cute and you totally know it!".
* DeadToBeginWith: [[spoiler:Our main trio, as well as other characters who are mentioned, with the series following their lives in the Dark Forest, a place for those who cannot pass on. Gideon is the only one hinted at to be alive, however. As in the first episode, as the camera zooms out, it reveals for a brief moment while Gideon is playing the arcade machine, Elon and Naraah vanish. Somewhat Subverted as in-universe, they were never real to begin with.]]
* DeathOfAChild: According to the jars seen in the game ''Banana,'' [[spoiler:Naarah died when she was around fourteen, Robert (presumably) died when he was around eight, and an unseen character known as Azule died around the age of three. The last one is possibly a subversion, as a hidden webpage url in "Window" suggests that Azule was the name of Naarah's dog who got sacrificed, which, if true, would be a different trope.]]
* DisproportionateRetribution: Because Gideon didn’t understand a joke, Elon and Naarah curse him to be locked in a small cell until he can write a good joke. It takes him ''two years'' to do so.

* EvilDoppelganger: The fan named "Evil Naarah". She only appears twice, once in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U19KfLuDFo Tony Crynight's CatGhost Speed Paint]] and Episode 8 to verbally abuse Naarah by saying that Elon doesn't love her and that she's sinful and to call the viewers nosy respectively.
* FogFeet: Naarah has no limbs, so she flies everywhere and [[PsychicPowers uses telekinesis to lift objects]].

%% * FriendlyGhost: Naarah, though friendly is [[LittleMissSnarker a bit of a stretch.]]
* GameFace: Elon has an alternate, demonic form she uses to attack intruders into her home.
* TheFriendNobodyLikes: Elon and Naarah hang out with Gideon, even throwing him a birthday party and taking him to Party Country in spite of his protests, yet are also disgusted by him, a feeling they express through abuse. [[spoiler: This may be because, when all three were alive, Gideon was the judge who sentenced Elon and Naarah to death.]]

* GhostAmnesia: Implied to be the case with [[spoiler:Gideon. Elon and Naarah]] have some recollection of their human lives, but [[spoiler:Gideon]] claims to not remember ''anything'' before "being born" in purgatory.

* HollywoodPsych: [[spoiler: While all of this might have something to do with the current Gideon being a clone of the original, he claims to have a genetic disorder that strips him of the ability to feel fear, [[ImmediateSelfContradiction despite several instances in the past that proves what he said was not true]]. Afterwards, Gideon contradicts himself again by claiming he [[LaserGuidedAmnesia doesn't remember anything]], when in Catghost 8, Judgement, at one point he states that he remembers being born.]]
* HorrorHatesARulebreaker: A mysterious entity only appears when [[spoiler: Elon looks in a mirror. The only way to make it go away is for Elon to run away from her reflection]].

** In the games ''Happybirthday'' and ''Window'', [[spoiler:Naarah and Elon’s]] skeletons will suddenly pop up and close the game if the word “murder” is typed.
** In the game ''Banana,'' Elon can jump out at you while in her demon form.
* KilledOffForReal: Seems to be the case with Robert, since Elon cut him up and cooked him into pancakes while he was in banana form.
* LateArrivalSpoiler: [[spoiler:Elon, Naarah, and Gideon lived and died in the 17th century, with the former two being tried and executed as witches.]]

* MeaningfulName:
** Naarah is a young girl. Her name in Hebrew means “young maiden”
** Gideon means “feller of trees” in Hebrew, and in episode 3 ''Mirror'' it’s revealed his favorite chore is collecting firewood.
** [[spoiler:Gideon is also the Rastafarian word for Armageddon. This meaning was fulfilled in episode 7.]]
** Gideon and Elon are both figures from the Biblical ''Literature/BookOfJudges''. When he was alive, Gideon was a judge in the modern sense of the word. Elon was the person being judged when [[spoiler: she was condemned to death for practicing witchcraft.]] They were both "judged" by the viewers in episode 8.

*** Elon says a line in Spanish “¿Por qué no los dos?” meaning “Why not both?”, which is a quote from a commercial for Old El Paso tacos.

'''Naarah:''' Uh, I think that’s ''your'' job. Hurry up and get to it!

* SkinWalker: The Skinwalker in this series is a recurring antagonistic force represented by a NightmareFace that possesses or impersonates characters.

* ElementalMotifs: [[spoiler: Elon's human form was burned at the stake with fire, in her cat form she can conjure fire from her paws, and she could be considered to have a "fiery personality. Naarah's human form was drowned in water, her ghost form looks like water bubbles, and she could be described as having a "bubbly" personality.]]

''WebOriginal/CatGhost'' is a WebOriginal multimedia series by Kris Patrick of ''WebComic/TheBedfellows'' fame. Most episodes consist of two parts: a Website/YouTube video and a game that can be downloaded via a link in the description.

* RedEyesTakeWarning: Elon and Naarah when they're angry and/or overly emotional.*

* DeadToBeginWith: [[spoiler:Our main trio, as well as other characters who are mentioned, with the series following their lives in the Dark Forest, a place for those who cannot pass on. Gideon is the only one hinted at to be alive, however. As in the first episode, as the camera zooms out, it reveals for a brief moment while Gideon is playing the arcade machine, Elon and Naraah vanish.]]

* FanCommunityNicknames: The creators refer to the [=CatGhost=] fanbase as "Children".

* RealitySubtext: In ''Acceptance'', a [[spoiler: FreezeFrameBonus reveals a demon called Aglasis. Aglasis is a demon from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimorium_Verum Grimorium Verum]].]]

* RedEyesTakeWarning: Elon and Naarah when they're angry and/or overly emotional.
RealitySubext: In ''Acceptance'', a [[spoiler: FreezeFrameBonus reveals a demon called Aglasis. Aglasis is a demon from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimorium_Verum Grimorium Verum]].]]

%% * RedEyesTakeWarning: Elon and Naarah get these when they are angry or preparing a curse.
%% Improper trope usage* RealLifeWritesThePlot: In ''Acceptance'', a [[spoiler: FreezeFrameBonus reveals a demon called Aglasis. Aglasis is a demon from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimorium_Verum Grimorium Verum]].]]

* RealLifeWritesThePlot: In ''Acceptance'', a [[spoiler: FreezeFrameBonus reveals a demon called Aglasis. Aglasis is a demon from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimorium_Verum Grimorium Verum]].]]

* RealLifeWritesThePlot: In ''Acceptance'', a [[spoiler: FreezeFrameBonus reveals a demon called Aglasis. Aglasis is a demon from the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimorium_Verum Grimorium Verum]].]]