The setting can be a major factor. If it's a confined space like a small room or a vehicle, it adds to the feeling of claustrophobia and helplessness. In many hostage - themed fiction books, this is used effectively to create an atmosphere of high tension. For instance, in 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three', the subway train is a very restricted and public space, which heightens the sense of danger for the hostages and the difficulty for the rescuers.
They often use a countdown or time - limit element. For example, the kidnappers may set a deadline for their demands to be met, like in 'The Siege'. This makes the reader feel the pressure and urgency.
Character development also plays a big role. By making the hostages relatable and showing their fear and hope, the reader becomes more invested. In 'Hostage', the main character's backstory and family situation add to the overall tension as we worry about what will happen to them. Also, the mystery of the kidnappers' motives and whether they will follow through on their threats keeps the tension high.
Footsteps create tension by making the reader wonder who or what is approaching. The mystery builds suspense.
Writers create tension in erotic romance stories through the characters' internal struggles. For instance, if one character has moral or ethical beliefs that conflict with their growing sexual attraction to another. Also, external factors like family or social disapproval can add to the tension.
They often use things like an unknown threat. For instance, in a story, there might be a shadowy figure that the main character keeps seeing but doesn't know who it is. This makes the reader wonder what the figure will do.
They might use the element of discovery. For example, when a character is about to find out about another character's panties fetish. It can create an immediate sense of tension.
Another way is by showing the desperation of the characters trying to rescue the kidnapped one. If they face numerous obstacles like powerful enemies or difficult terrains, it adds to the tension. For instance, if the Cullens have to fight through an army of new vampires to reach the kidnapped character, the readers will be worried about their success.
Another way is through the description of Taehyung's own state. If he's in pain but trying to be strong, or if he's confused and hurt by the situation, it makes the readers feel for him. The writers might also introduce some obstacles in his recovery process, like a lack of proper medical facilities or some internal conflicts within the group that delay his getting better. This all serves to create and maintain tension throughout the fanfiction.
In triangle romance novels, the competition between the two love interests creates tension. For example, in a love triangle where one character is a good - hearted but poor man and the other is a rich and charming man, the heroine's indecision makes the readers eager to know who she will choose.
Another way is by creating a sense of competition. Each character in the love triangle may be competing for the affection of the one they love. This competition can be in the form of grand gestures, trying to outdo each other in kindness or achievements. It makes the reader root for one side or the other, and as the competition intensifies, so does the tension in the novel.
The first paragraphs often introduce a problem or a conflict that immediately grabs the reader's attention and builds tension.
One way to create tension is to have characters with conflicting goals or interests. This creates internal and external conflicts that keep the reader on edge. Another approach is to use foreshadowing to hint at something bad that might happen, making the reader anticipate and worry.