1. The Elements of Suspense

2. The Art of Suspense Uncertainty: the state or condition of being unsure or in doubt about something Uncertainty: the state or condition of being unsure or in doubt about something Enjoyable tension: a feeling of tense excitement about how something such as a mystery novel or movie will end Enjoyable tension: a feeling of tense excitement about how something such as a mystery novel or movie will end Anxiety: a state of anxiety or intense worry about something Anxiety: a state of anxiety or intense worry about something Synonyms: doubt, insecurity, confusion, indecision, doubtfulness Synonyms: doubt, insecurity, confusion, indecision, doubtfulnessdoubtinsecurityconfusion indecisiondoubtinsecurityconfusion indecision Source: Encarta World English Dictionary Source: Encarta World English Dictionary

3. Elements of Suspense 1. Short Timing story—the threat to your character(s) should be immediate and ever present, –Build in intensity hour by hour, day by day, minute by minute. –Seen in the rising action or events 2. Intriguing Question— –Character/reader has a mystery to solve— –Characters/readers shouldn’t stumble on the answers they need. They should work through the situation, follow the clues, and discover the truth. Rising action does not give all info. 3. Fears of the main character

4. Foreshadowing (review) 4. Clues written (and implied) that something is going to happen later in the story. –Could be what is said, unsaid, meant, alluded or referred to by a character in dialogue –Could be a prior situation that is mentioned –Could be the background info. (setting: weather, details in narration, attitude of the writer)

5. Elements of Suspense 5. False sense of security: reassurances of “o.k.ness” 6. Setting: weather, dark places (gives mood or tone) 7. Villain and victim: must be one of each! 8. Pacing: short sentences = danger 9. Death: must be present

6. Short Story Plot Mountain Exposition: setting (time/place) and characters Exposition: setting (time/place) and characters Conflict: problem or issue Conflict: problem or issue Rising Action: sequence of events leading to climax Rising Action: sequence of events leading to climax Climax: turning point in story: Does character solve problem or not? Climax: turning point in story: Does character solve problem or not? Falling Action: events after climax Falling Action: events after climax Denoument: resolution/end: so now what??? Denoument: resolution/end: so now what???

7. Identify Suspense Review the story and create a plot map indicating the parts of the plot using the vocabulary below and connecting it to the story. Review the story and create a plot map indicating the parts of the plot using the vocabulary below and connecting it to the story. Make notes about significant moments of suspense & foreshadowing (CN) Make notes about significant moments of suspense & foreshadowing (CN) Exposition Rising Action Climax Resolution

8. The Cask Of Amontillado Edgar Allen Poe The master of Suspense