What is the purpose of tension in a story?

Answer 1

Anything can be a source of tension. As Kurt Vonnegut says, "Make sure your character wants something -- even if it's just a glass of water."

So long as your characters want something and are prevented from attaining their goals, there will be tension.

Answer 2

Tension in a story serves to create suspense, keep readers engaged, and drive the plot forward by creating conflict or anticipation of what might happen next. It adds excitement and emotional depth to the narrative, making the story more compelling for the audience.

Answer 3

Use foreshadowing and other techniques to hint at it throughout the story, slowly building the tension, then arrive at the dramatic moment

Answer 4

Authors create tension in a story to build up climax.

Answer 5

Tension keeps the reader interested in the storyline.

Answer 6

Conflict is a great source of tension.