Creating Suspense

Suspense A feeling of anxiety or fear created by an author to keep readers guessing about the outcome of events.

Suspense A “suspending” of our emotions. We know something is about to happen, we just don’t know what or when.

Suspense The longer the writer keeps the reader guessing, the greater the suspense.

Alfred Hitchcock said... “There is no terror in the [gun’s] bang, only in the anticipation of it.”

Techniques for Creating Suspense

Foreshadowing A hint or clue about what is to happen later in a story.

Foreshadowing The use of foreshadowing allows a reader to predict what might happen later in a story.

Use of Sensory Details This allows the reader to see, feel, taste, touch, smell, and hear the action or setting being described.

Use of Sensory Details Helps the reader to create vivid images and to feel as if he is part of the action in the story.

Diction Diction = an author’s word choice Authors choose precise, accurate, strong words to clarify information for the reader Examples may include the use of figurative language and repetition Single words or phrases can sometimes act as clues

Diction Use of words with a suspenseful connotation allows the reader to connect images with prior knowledge and experience. Strong connotations force the reader to emotionally connect with the language.

Describing Action as if Happening in “Slow Motion” Suspense does not rush from event to event, but lingers over the most horrific details of each event.

Describing Action as if Happening in “Slow Motion” This allows the reader to “take in” or focus on each detail one at a time.

First Person Point of View This allows the reader to see the action as it happens through the eyes of the person experiencing the events.

First Person Point of View Terrible events are likely to be more vivid if described by the person experiencing them rather than a third- person narrator. The writer does not let the reader know anything before the narrator does.

Omitting (Leaving Out) Important Information This can act as a red herring, thus preventing the reader from predicting the outcome of the story’s events and creating a surprise ending.

Omitting Important Information Omitting graphic and gruesome details forces the reader to use his/her imagination. This often results in a scene far more horrific than an author could have described in words.

Henry James said... “The worst fears can be the products of the human mind, which can create its own reality.”

Dramatic Irony Dramatic irony occurs when the reader knows something that characters do not know.

Dramatic Irony This creates nervous anticipation in the reader, knowing what will happen, but not when it will happen.

Setting Certain settings are associated with certain emotions. Example: deserted alleyway with broken streetlamps- danger; dread

Setting Authors rely on the reader’s prior knowledge and experiences to choose and develop settings that evoke the desired moods the author hopes to create.