In containment fiction, suspense is often generated through the uncertainty of whether the containment measures will hold. The story might show the fragility of the barriers or systems put in place to contain something. Say, in a story about containing a powerful alien creature. The scientists are constantly struggling to keep it in check. Every little malfunction or sign of the creature's strength makes us wonder if it will break free, thus creating suspense.
Containment fiction creates suspense by making the audience aware of the potential danger if the containment fails. For example, if a story is about containing a deadly virus, we know that if it gets out, it will be catastrophic. This constant threat of the 'contained' thing breaking free keeps the readers or viewers on edge.
Conspiracy fiction books often create suspense by gradually revealing bits of the conspiracy. For example, in 'The Da Vinci Code', as the characters discover more about the hidden secrets and the conspiracy within the Catholic Church, the suspense builds.
Well, one way kidnapped fiction creates suspense is through the setting. If the victim is held in a remote or unknown location, like in some crime novels, it adds an element of mystery. For instance, in 'Kidnapped', the young man is in unfamiliar and often dangerous places. Another way is through the relationships of the characters. The kidnapper - victim relationship can be complex and full of psychological tension. In 'The Lovely Bones', the relationship between the dead girl and her killer is explored in a very suspenseful way. And the false leads and red herrings in the story also create suspense. The reader is constantly trying to figure out what is real and what is a distraction, as in many detective - like kidnapped fictions.
It often uses the element of the home as a safe haven being violated. When the invaders enter the home, it shatters the sense of security. For example, in 'The Strangers', the fact that the couple thought they were safe in their own house but then were suddenly targeted by strangers creates immediate suspense.
Often through withholding key medical information. For example, in many medical mystery fictions, the cause of a strange illness is not revealed immediately. The author may give some symptoms but keep the real disease or condition a mystery, which makes readers keep guessing.
Authors create suspense in 'whodunit' detective fiction by withholding information. They don't reveal all the clues at once. For example, they might only drop hints about a suspect's true identity little by little. Another way is by creating a sense of urgency. Maybe the detective is racing against time to solve the case before the killer strikes again. And they can also build suspense through the relationships between the characters. Tense interactions among the suspects can keep the reader on edge.
Often by keeping the identity of the thief hidden. The reader is left guessing who could be behind the art theft. Also, by creating a complex web of motives. Maybe it's for money, revenge or just the love of the art piece itself.
Build up mystery and keep the readers guessing. Introduce unexpected elements and withhold key information until the right moment.
A malice novel creates suspense by having characters with hidden motives. For example, if a character in the novel has a malicious plan but it's not clear at first, the reader will be eager to find out what it is. This keeps them reading.
Foreshadowing works to create suspense as it primes the reader's mind for something significant. It plants seeds of doubt and excitement, making them keep turning the pages to see if what they suspect comes true. Sometimes, it's a single line or a small detail that has a big impact later on, heightening the tension.
The story structure creates suspense by introducing elements of mystery or uncertainty early on. It keeps the reader guessing about what will happen next, and maybe builds up tension gradually through plot twists and cliffhangers.