What is one way a writer creates tension in a story?

Answer 1

The best way to create tension is to have believable characters and believable conflict - then, the reader knows that the tension is naturally going to occur. You can increase tension by doing things like writing in short, choppy sentences that seem to rush forward, and by foreshadowing what's to come.

Answer 2

In creative writing, tension is the same thing as building suspense. Think about movies you've seen that have suspense in them- thrillers, dramas, even comedies and romances. Almost everything should have some sort of tension in it because not only does it draw the audience into your work, but it makes them work for it, sit on the edge of their seats, wanting more.

Usually tension builds- you can't have the reader yearning to know what happens next at the first line. First, you have to get your audience connected with what you're writing about. You need to get them feeling like they know your subject, like they can relate to what's going on, or at least have an interest in it. If you get boring in your writing, no one is going to wonder what happens next.

Once you have what you need to build the tension, then build it! Use verbs and figurative language to draw the reader in, something that will make them nervous or anxious while reading. Draw them into the moment, into every breath of it.

Tension is a great way to pull someone into what you've written and get them intreiged about what's going on. Don't stop until you can see your audience in your head, jumping up and down, going crazy wondering what will happen in the end.

Answer 3

Use short sentences to move the action along quickly. Keep up the action and don't go off on a tangent describing things. Use all the senses to create a vivid image in the reader's mind. And know exactly what's going to happen in the action scenes -- plot it out ahead of time so you won't go anywhere except right up to the action, show your action, then ease off.

Answer 4

One way a writer can create tension in a story is by using cliffhangers at the end of chapters or sections, leaving readers on edge and eager to find out what happens next. Having conflict between characters or within the plot can also build up tension as readers anticipate how the issues will be resolved.