How to create tension in your story
Tension is the lifeline of storytelling that keeps readers glued to the page. It's the undercurrent of uncertainty, the magnetic pull that keeps audiences engaged, anxious, and eager for what comes next. Crafting tension involves more than just throwing challenges at your characters; it requires finesse, creativity, and an understanding of the human psyche.
From forming alliances to betraying trust, from cornering characters to shattering their worldviews, from unveiling secrets to playing with time, these techniques offer a rich toolbox for writers aiming to craft compelling, tension-filled narratives.
Create alliances and betrayals
1. Form an alliance between two characters
Alliances provide a sense of stability and trust, which can be later exploited to create unexpected tension.
2. Betray another character
A betrayal can shatter trust, creating conflict and uncertainty.
3. Have a character betray themselves
Self-betrayal is an intense form of internal conflict and can lead to rich character development.
4. Use an unreliable narrator
An unreliable narrator who lies to the audience adds a layer of complexity and keeps readers on their toes.
Challenge and corner your characters
5. Force characters into unwinnable situations
a. Trap them in circumstances they can't escapeb. Back them into a corner
6. Let a character act unpredictably
Unpredictable actions can lead to chaos, elevating the tension.
Shatter expectations and build suspense
7. Shatter your character's worldview
Breaking a character's belief system can lead to intense internal conflict.
8. Change the location or setting
A shift in location can disrupt the status quo, introducing new challenges.
9. Have one character lie to another
Lies create distrust and can build suspense as readers wait for the truth to emerge.
10. Present difficult choices
Characters torn between two good options or bad choices can create emotional tension.
11. Give someone a false identity
False identities can create suspense and unexpected twists.
12. Create a false victory
False victories build and then shatter expectations, creating an emotional rollercoaster.
13. Leap forward in time
Time leaps can disrupt the narrative flow, adding intrigue and complexity.
14. Make good characters make bad decisions
Good characters making bad decisions adds complexity and shows vulnerability.
15. Kill or hurt a character
The threat of death or injury raises the stakes and deepens emotional investment.
16. Add love and intimacy
Love stories and sexual tension can add layers of complexity and emotion.
17. Use misdirection and misunderstanding
Red herrings and misunderstandings keep readers guessing, enhancing suspense.
18. Solve problems quickly
Quickly resolving a problem can leave readers reeling and unsure of what to expect next.
19. Reverse circumstances
A reversal of fortune can lead to dramatic shifts in a character's life, creating tension.
20. Show consequences
Allowing negative consequences to affect characters adds realism and depth.
21. Explore sacrifice and secrets
Characters making sacrifices or revealing secrets add emotional weight and intrigue.
22. Reveal secret plans
Unveiling a character's secret plan can lead to twists and turns.
23. Break taboos or complicate with intimacy
Breaking societal norms or adding sexual tension can heighten intrigue and emotion.
24. Outline the odds
Making readers aware of the enormity of the challenge amplifies the tension.
25. Set a ticking clock
Time constraints create urgency, making every decision and action more crucial.
26. Escalate with violence or losses
Violence, losses, or the threat of failure can heighten tension and stakes.
27. Allow characters to win or lose with costs
Victories with costs or losses with lessons can add complexity and realism.
Tension is a multifaceted tool
Tension requires more than just plotting out high-stakes scenarios. It involves understanding human emotions, building and breaking trust, creating complex characters, and taking readers on an unpredictable journey. Balancing anticipation, uncertainty, emotional stakes, and character complexity is what makes readers care, fear, hope, and ultimately, continue turning the pages.
