What are some effective techniques for building suspense?

Building suspense is essential to creating a compelling story that keeps readers engaged until the very end. One effective technique for building suspense is by setting the stage with a slow burn. For example, starting with a seemingly harmless event that gradually escalates into a dangerous situation. Another technique is through the use of foreshadowing, where hints and clues are dropped throughout the story that build anticipation for what's to come. Additionally, withholding information and creating unanswered questions can create a sense of unease that keeps readers on edge. Tension can be further heightened with pacing, such as short, snappy sentences during moments of high tension that create a sense of urgency. Finally, dramatic irony can be used to build suspense, where the reader knows more than the characters do, creating a feeling of anticipation and anxiety about potential outcomes.

This mind map was published on 19 April 2023 and has been viewed 91 times.