What is emotional suspense?
We all know the thrill of being held in suspense by a story. It’s that moment when you discover you can’t put that book down, and you’re waiting with bated breath as characters take one risk after another. Now, imagine if those feelings were intensified by emotions, adding an extra layer of excitement to your storytelling. This is the power of emotional suspense, a tool that can add an electrifying edge to your narrative.
Definition of emotional suspense
Emotional suspense is the intensified feeling of suspense by adding emotions to a story. It occurs when readers continue reading for an emotional payoff, a moment in the story that delivers a strong emotional reaction. For example, imagine a protagonist learning that their best friend betrayed them. The protagonist doesn't immediately confront their best friend, so there's suspense as the reader waits for the inevitable emotional impact when the confrontation finally occurs, including feelings of heartbreak, anger, and sadness.
Why is emotional suspense important?
Emotional suspense is a powerful tool that not only intensifies the reader’s feelings but also deepens their connection with the characters in the story. It's one thing to be happy for two characters who realize they’re best friends. However, the reader's emotions are heightened when an unknown force threatens this realization. They don't want the happiness to end or either character to be harmed.
It engages the reader
When a reader feels engaged with your story, it:
- Keeps their attention with literary devices such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, and plot development like unexpected twists and turns, as the reader waits for the emotional payoff.
- Makes them feel like they're being seen somehow because a character in the story is going through something they can relate to.
- Awakens emotions in them, creating a human connection between them and the characters in your story.
Emotional suspense plays a crucial role in making a story's ending more satisfying, leaving the reader with a sense of fulfillment. The end of a traditional hero’s journey story is nearly always sufficient because the plot events make it earn its ending.
Build strong characters
Readers won’t care about or connect with characters that seem two-dimensional. Give your characters depth by utilizing worksheets, outlines, pictures, or any other resource available that makes them feel real.
Here are a few things to consider when creating your characters:
- What is their primary purpose?
- What is their biggest fear?
- What or who do they love?
- Who do they want to be?
- Does their past tend to follow them everywhere?
Add some danger
Creating suspense in your writing involves introducing some form of threat or a sense of danger. The greater the risk, the more suspense your readers will feel once they connect with your characters. Types of danger or threats to consider include physical, societal, interpersonal, external, emotional, and spiritual.
Let the risk continue
Once your characters have identified the danger they face, they will eventually take a risk. As soon as possible, it should be made clear whether the risk will result in short-term or long-term suspense. Regardless, the risk must be followed by some emotional payoff.
Add some practicality
Readers typically won’t believe in a character heading into a dangerous situation without a good reason. That's why providing a practical explanation for your character's actions is crucial. However, it's important to balance this with the need to maintain suspense. This not only makes the story more believable but also ensures that the characters remain relatable to the reader.
Emotional suspense is a powerful tool for creating unforgettable stories. By deconstructing this literary device and reassembling it as a plotline, you should have no trouble keeping your readers on the edge of their seats.
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