Tension

Definition

Tension is the feeling of emotional strain or pressure that keeps the audience engaged in a story. It often arises from conflict, uncertainty, or a sense of impending danger, compelling viewers to want to know what happens next. The ability to create and maintain tension is crucial in storytelling as it drives the plot forward and deepens character interactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tension can be created through various storytelling techniques, such as pacing, dialogue, and visual cues, to heighten the stakes for characters.
2. Moments of high tension often coincide with key plot points, where major decisions or actions take place that can change the direction of the story.
3. Effective use of subtext in dialogue can amplify tension by allowing characters to communicate underlying feelings and conflicts without explicit statements.
4. Exposition delivered through dialogue can also contribute to tension when it reveals secrets or crucial information that impacts character relationships and plot dynamics.
5. Building tension gradually throughout a narrative can lead to a more satisfying climax, as audiences have invested in the story's progression and character arcs.

Review Questions

• How does tension enhance the effectiveness of plot points within a narrative?
  • Tension heightens the emotional stakes during plot points, making pivotal moments more impactful for the audience. When characters face critical decisions or confrontations, tension draws viewers in, compelling them to invest in the outcome. This creates a sense of urgency and engagement, as audiences are eager to see how the conflict will resolve and what consequences will unfold.
• In what ways can subtext in dialogue be used to create tension between characters?
  • Subtext allows characters to convey their true feelings indirectly, which can create tension when their words do not match their intentions. This discrepancy can lead to misunderstandings, unspoken conflicts, or hidden agendas that keep audiences guessing about characters' motivations. By crafting dialogue that hints at deeper issues without outright stating them, writers can build suspense and encourage viewers to read between the lines.
• Evaluate how exposition delivered through dialogue can impact the overall tension within a story.
  • Exposition delivered through dialogue can significantly heighten tension by revealing critical information at unexpected moments. When characters discuss secrets or past events that affect their current situations, it can create a sense of unease or anticipation for what might happen next. This type of exposition can serve to deepen relationships and conflicts among characters, enriching the narrative's emotional landscape and keeping audiences on edge as they anticipate how these revelations will affect future interactions.

Related terms

Conflict:

The struggle between opposing forces in a story, which can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or forces).

Suspense:

The anticipation of an outcome that creates anxiety and curiosity in the audience, often closely related to tension.

Dramatic Irony:

A situation in which the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating tension as viewers anticipate the characters' reactions.