Tension

Definition

Tension is the emotional and dramatic strain that creates a sense of conflict, unease, or anticipation in a narrative. It arises from the stakes involved in characters' situations and relationships, driving the audience's investment in the unfolding events. Tension plays a crucial role in storytelling, as it helps build interest and engagement through moments of uncertainty, fear, or hope.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tension often starts with an inciting incident that disrupts the status quo, setting characters on a path filled with conflict and uncertainty.
2. Effective use of subtext can enhance tension by implying deeper emotions or hidden motivations that aren't directly expressed by the characters.
3. External conflicts are crucial for generating tension, as they pit characters against obstacles or antagonists that raise the stakes of their goals.
4. Suspense and anticipation rely heavily on tension; maintaining a sense of uncertainty keeps the audience engaged and eager to see what happens next.
5. Tension can also stem from universal human experiences, such as love, loss, or moral dilemmas, making it relatable and impactful for audiences.

Review Questions

• How does an inciting incident contribute to building tension in a play?
  • An inciting incident introduces a conflict or challenge that disrupts the normal flow of life for the characters. This moment raises the stakes and sets off a chain reaction of events that create emotional strain. As characters navigate their responses to this incident, tension builds as audiences become invested in how these conflicts will unfold.
• In what ways can subtext enhance tension within character interactions?
  • Subtext adds layers to dialogue and interactions between characters, implying unspoken feelings or motivations. When characters say one thing but mean another, it creates a sense of tension as audiences perceive the underlying conflicts. This discrepancy between spoken words and true intentions keeps viewers on edge, eager to uncover the truth behind the tension-filled exchanges.
• Evaluate the role of universal human experiences in generating tension throughout a play.
  • Universal human experiences such as love, betrayal, and moral dilemmas resonate deeply with audiences, serving as powerful catalysts for tension. These themes are relatable and evoke strong emotional responses, allowing viewers to connect personally with the characters’ struggles. By weaving these experiences into the narrative, playwrights effectively heighten tension as characters grapple with profound questions that challenge their beliefs and relationships.

Related terms

Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces in a narrative, which can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or between a character and their environment).

Climax:

The point in a story where the tension reaches its highest peak, often leading to a turning point in the narrative and determining the outcome of conflicts.

Dramatic Irony:

A situation where the audience knows more about the circumstances than the characters, creating heightened tension and anticipation for how events will unfold.