How does Stephen King build suspense in 'It' (2017 novel)?

He uses details. Every creak of the floorboards in the room, every shadow in the corner can be a source of suspense. By describing these small things in a vivid way, he makes the reader feel as if they are in the room too and are on edge.

Stephen King builds suspense by creating complex characters. The shooter isn't just a one - dimensional villain. He might give the shooter some relatable qualities or a backstory that makes the reader feel a sense of unease. We start to wonder how someone who could have some good in them could do such a terrible thing. Also, he may use the setting of the school. The familiar and usually safe environment of a school turned into a place of danger creates a lot of suspense.

The way he describes the character's internal thoughts and fears is very effective. As she is alone, her mind starts to play tricks on her, and King details these mental processes. The reader is constantly on edge, wondering if she will give in to her panic or find a way out. Also, the slow - building events, like the approaching of something unknown in the dark, keep the reader guessing.

King is a master at creating suspense in Lisey's Story. He first sets up an ordinary - looking world with Lisey trying to move on after her husband's death. But then he starts to peel back the layers. The strange phone calls Lisey gets, the things she finds in the storage unit that don't quite make sense at first. He also plays with the readers' minds by making the line between reality and the supernatural blurry. We're not sure if what Lisey is experiencing is all in her head or if there are real threats out there. This ambiguity is a great tool for building suspense.

In 'Elevation' by Stephen King which has two stories, he creates suspense in multiple ways. One is by gradually revealing the reactions of the townspeople. As they start to notice the main character's odd transformation, their different responses add to the suspense. Also, the main character's own internal struggle with his condition makes us wonder how he will cope and what the final outcome will be for him.

He uses the unknown. The mist itself is a big mystery. We don't know what's in it at first, which creates immediate suspense. Also, the slow revelation of the creatures. He doesn't show all the terrifying things right away. Instead, he gives little hints and glimpses, like the tentacles at the beginning. This keeps the reader on edge, wondering what else is lurking.

Through the use of the confined setting. Paul is trapped in Annie's house, which creates an immediate sense of claustrophobia and danger. The reader constantly wonders how he will escape from this limited and hostile environment.

He uses the element of the unknown. The identity of the real perpetrator is a mystery for a long time. Also, he builds suspense through the characters' reactions. As they start to suspect something is not right, it makes the reader wonder too. And the slow revelation of the supernatural aspects adds to the suspense.

He uses the isolation of the setting. Paul is trapped in Annie's house in a remote location. There's no easy way for him to get help, which immediately creates a sense of danger and suspense.

He often uses the unknown. For example, in many stories, there are strange creatures or phenomena that are not fully explained at first. This makes the readers keep guessing and creates suspense.