How do espionage stories usually create suspense?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

They create suspense by introducing complex characters. Each character has their own motives and secrets. In 'The Thomas Crown Affair', Crown's mysterious nature and his reasons for the heists add to the suspense. Also, unexpected twists in the plot are common. In many heist novels, just when it seems like the heist is going smoothly, something goes wrong, like in 'Ocean's Eleven' when unforeseen obstacles pop up.