Suspense

Suspense creates a feeling of tension or anticipation in the reader. It is often used in literature, film, and other storytelling mediums to engage the audience and keep them invested in the story. Suspense is created by withholding information or revealing it slowly, creating a sense of mystery or uncertainty about what will happen next. This can be achieved through various techniques such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, and dramatic irony. By using suspense, writers can heighten the emotional impact of their work and keep their readers on the edge of their seats, eager to know what will happen next.

Examples of suspense:

In Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None,” the characters are trapped on an island and one by one, they are murdered. The reader is left guessing who the killer is, creating a sense of suspense.

In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart,” the narrator is tormented by the sound of a beating heart and the fear of being caught. The tension builds as the story progresses, creating a sense of suspense and dread.

In Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” the creature’s pursuit of revenge against its creator creates a sense of suspense as the reader wonders what will happen next.

In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” Harry is forced to participate in the dangerous Triwizard Tournament, and the reader is left wondering if he will survive.

In George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, the constant threat of violence and betrayal keeps readers on the edge of their seats, creating a sense of suspense throughout the story.