How can a story build tension effectively?

You can start by creating a sense of uncertainty. Make readers wonder what's going to happen next. Also, build up to important events slowly to increase anticipation.

One way is to introduce time pressure or deadlines for the characters. When they have to act quickly, it naturally creates tension.

One way is to create a sense of time pressure. Make the characters have a limited amount of time to achieve their goal.

You can build tension by creating time pressure for the characters or introducing unexpected obstacles.

Build tension through setting. A dark, spooky forest or an abandoned, dilapidated house can create an atmosphere of unease. If your characters are in such a setting, the tension will be palpable. You can also use pacing. Slow down the narrative when something crucial is about to happen, like a character making a life - changing decision. This draws out the moment and increases the tension.

One way is to use slow pacing and build up suspense gradually. Let the reader or viewer wonder what's coming next.

You can also use the power of the unknown. Don't reveal too much too soon. Just give hints about what might be out there. For instance, the character hears a growl, but they don't know what kind of creature it could be. Is it a wild animal? Or something more sinister? Also, create a sense of isolation for the character. If they're alone in a big, empty place, it adds to their vulnerability and the tension of the situation. And don't forget to use short, choppy sentences when the action starts to pick up to increase the sense of urgency.

You can build romantic tension by having characters have intense emotional moments but then pull back or hesitate. Also, introducing a potential rival for one of the characters' affections can add to the tension. Subtle hints and looks exchanged between the characters can build anticipation too.

One way is to use a claustrophobic space. If the characters are trapped in a small, dark room or a narrow corridor, it immediately builds tension. They can't easily escape whatever is coming for them.

By using cliffhangers at the end of chapters. For instance, just when the main character is about to discover a crucial clue, end the page with something like 'She reached out her hand, her heart pounding, not knowing what she would find.' This makes the reader eager to turn the page.