Character conflicts play a big role. In many 'fiction survival short stories', there are conflicts between characters who may have different ideas on survival. Maybe one wants to take risks to find help while another wants to stay put. This internal and external character conflict keeps the reader on edge. Also, the threat of danger, like a lurking predator or an approaching storm, is constantly present and builds suspense as the reader waits to see if the characters can avoid it or overcome it. The story may also withhold information about resources or potential threats, making the reader eager to find out more.
They often use settings. For example, if it's set in a desolate place like a desert island or a post - apocalyptic wasteland, the unknown of the environment creates suspense. The reader wonders how the character will find food, water, and shelter.
One way 'fiction survival short stories' create suspense is through the passage of time. As time ticks away, the character's situation may become more desperate. For instance, if they have a limited supply of food and water, the countdown to running out adds tension. The introduction of new and unexpected elements also helps. For example, a character suddenly discovers a strange symbol or a hidden passage on the island they are stranded on. This makes the reader wonder what it means and how it will affect the character's survival chances. Another factor is the psychological state of the characters. If a character starts to hallucinate or lose their grip on reality due to the stress of survival, it adds an element of mystery and suspense as the reader wonders if they will be able to pull themselves together and survive.
Survival stories fiction often create suspense through the constant threat of danger. For example, in 'The Hunger Games', the main character Katniss is always in danger of being killed by other tributes or the traps set in the arena. This keeps the reader on edge, wondering if she will survive.
Abduction fiction stories create suspense in multiple ways. First, by setting an ordinary scene at the beginning and then shattering it with the abduction event. This contrast catches the reader off - guard. Second, the lack of information about the abductee's fate keeps the reader on edge. Is the character alive? Are they being tortured? Moreover, the introduction of strange or otherworldly elements in the abduction, such as in some stories where the abductors have superhuman abilities, heightens the sense of mystery and suspense. The reader is constantly trying to figure out what these elements mean and how they will affect the story.
They often create suspense by withholding key information about the character's past. In 'Before I Go to Sleep', the main character's amnesia means she doesn't know who she can trust. As she tries to piece together her past through her journal, the author drops hints and red herrings. Every new discovery or false lead builds suspense. Also, the fear of the unknown in the character's past due to amnesia is a big factor in creating suspense. If the character has done something bad in the past that they can't remember, that's a great source of suspense.
Espionage stories often create suspense through secrecy. The main characters are usually involved in hidden operations, and the readers don't know all the details. For example, in 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', the motives of the characters are not clear at first. This keeps the readers guessing.
By creating a sense of danger for the abductee. If the abductee is in a strange or life - threatening situation, like in 'The Host', it builds suspense. The reader wonders if they will escape or what will happen to them. In these novels, the authors also use pacing. Slow - paced scenes that build up to the abduction and then fast - paced scenes during the captivity or attempts to escape all contribute to the overall suspense.
Fiction crime novels also create suspense through character development. If the main character is in danger, and we've come to care about them through the development of their personality and backstory, we'll be more on edge. Take 'The Silence of the Lambs' for instance. Clarice Starling is a well - developed character, and as she gets closer to the serial killer, the suspense builds.
Often, murder novels create suspense through withholding key information. For example, they might not reveal the identity of the killer right away.
Often through withholding information. For example, in many murder fantasy stories, the author won't reveal the identity of the killer right away. This makes the reader keep turning the pages to find out. They might drop little hints here and there, but not enough to solve the mystery immediately.
Murder mystery stories also build suspense by gradually revealing clues. The author might drop small hints here and there throughout the story, making the reader try to piece them together before the detective in the story does. A good example is when a small object is mentioned early on that turns out to be a crucial piece of evidence later. This keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat, wondering what will be revealed next.
Treasure hunt fiction novels usually create suspense in multiple ways. Firstly, they set a time limit or a race against other parties. This is seen in 'National Treasure' where the main characters have to find the treasure before the bad guys do. Secondly, the clues are often cryptic. In 'The Lost Symbol', the symbols need to be decoded accurately. Also, the settings play a role. If it's a dark, unknown place like in 'Treasure Island', it adds to the suspense.