"The Castle Spectre" is a melodrama written by Matthew Lewis in 1797. The play revolves around the themes of love, betrayal, and the supernatural, set in a haunted castle. It features a young hero, Sir Edward, who seeks to rescue his beloved, Emily, from the clutches of a malevolent specter. The story unfolds with various twists, including ghostly apparitions and dark secrets. The play was notable for its use of gothic elements, which were popular in the late 18th century. It contributed to the rise of the Gothic fiction genre, influencing later works in literature and theater.