1. A Deeper Look at conflict and suspense

2. Review Definitions  Conflict in the context of literature is the struggle between 2 opposing forces. This conflict can be one of 2 things:  Internal conflict  External conflict  Suspense is the intense feeling the audience gets as it waits to find out the outcome of a conflict or plot event.  The two concepts are directly related to each other!

3. Purpose of conflict and suspense  Feelings of suspense that go along with conflict are what engage readers in a story  Without the uncertainty created by conflict and suspense, a story becomes boring.

4. How Suspense and Conflict and Suspense  The reader needs to feel empathy for the protagonist  That is, the reader needs to care about what is happening.  The reader needs to feel concerned about the situation – that things might not go well.  The reader needs to feel like there is impending danger (something bad is going to happen)  The author needs to raise the stakes as the story goes on – the protagonist is going to lose something big if they don’t reach their goals.  This makes the situation in which there is conflict and suspense feel more important.

5. Which story seems more interesting? Story 1: Laura has a huge crush on Oscar. She knows that Oscar has a huge crush on her too because her friend told her. She asks Oscar out. He says yes. They go on date. He picks her up at 7. They go to the movies and see a chick flick. It is really good. They both enjoy it. Then they go to In-n-Out Burger. Oscar pays for Laura’s dinner. They share Animal Style fries, their favorite. They can’t believe they have so much in common. Afterward, they go for a walk and hold hands. Laura can’t believe how lucky she is. Oscar drops her off at home and gives her a good-night kiss. Laura goes to sleep feeling happy and contented.

6. Which story seems more interesting? Story 2: Laura has a huge crush on Oscar. However, she saw Oscar talking to her best friend, Donna after school. Donna knows about her crush on Oscar! Laura can’t believe she would do this to her! Laura gets very upset and refuses to leave the house the next day. Donna keeps calling her but she refuses the calls. She imagines how Donna and Oscar are probably talking about her behind her back and laughing at her. The doorbell rings. Laura’s mom answers it. She calls for Laura to come downstairs. Laura refuses. Someone knocks on her door. Laura yells, “Go away!” but the voice at the other end says, “Laura, I need to talk to you!” It’s Oscar! Laura opens the door. Oscar explains that Donna told him about Laura’s crush on him. He has a crush on her too and he asks her out! Laura is so happy, but she realizes how bad she’s been to Donna. She calls her up and apologizes and everything is better!

7. What’s the difference?  Story 1 has no conflict or suspense – everything goes exactly according to plan. There’s no uncertainty at any point. Everything just happens perfectly. It might be nice in real life, but in fiction, it’s kind of boring.  Story 2 has a lot of conflict and suspense – Laura doesn’t know if her friend is betraying her. Laura doesn’t know if Oscar likes her. Laura is in danger of losing not only her crush, but her best friend. We would hate to go through this ourselves, but we can empathize with her. It might not be your cup of tea, but it’s absolutely more objectively interesting.