Looking for examples of suspense? Suspense is a literary device that has the power to captivate and engage readers, leaving them eagerly turning the pages in anticipation.
From heart-pounding thrillers to everyday scenarios, suspense is an element that adds excitement to our lives. In this blog post, we’ll explore examples of suspense that showcase its simplicity yet undeniable impact.
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What Is Suspense In Writing?
Suspense in writing is a literary device employed by authors to create a sense of anticipation, excitement, and tension in the minds of the readers. It’s the art of withholding information or delaying the resolution of a situation to keep the audience curious and eager to find out what happens next. Suspense is not limited to any specific genre; it can be found in thrillers, mysteries, dramas, and even everyday storytelling.
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Types Of Suspense In Writing
Suspense in writing can take various forms, adding depth and excitement to different genres. Here are some common types of suspense found in writing:
Mystery Suspense
This type of suspense revolves around solving a puzzle or uncovering hidden information. Authors keep readers guessing about the unknown, introducing clues and revelations that build anticipation until the mystery is finally resolved.
Thriller Suspense
Thrillers often involve high-stakes situations, danger, and fast-paced action. Suspense in thrillers is created through constant threats, unexpected twists, and the looming possibility of dire consequences for the characters.
Romantic Suspense
In romance novels, suspense often arises from the uncertainties and obstacles that the main characters face in their relationships. Will they end up together? What challenges will they overcome? These questions keep readers engaged and invested in the love story.
Psychological Suspense
This type of suspense delves into the minds of the characters, exploring their thoughts, fears, and uncertainties. The tension arises from psychological twists, unreliable narrators, and the blurred line between reality and perception.
Supernatural or Paranormal Suspense
Suspense in stories involving supernatural elements or paranormal activities comes from the unknown and the eerie. Readers are kept on edge as characters confront mysterious forces, supernatural entities, or unexplained phenomena.
Action Suspense
Action-packed stories create suspense through physical challenges, perilous situations, and intense sequences. Readers are kept on the edge of their seats as characters navigate dangerous environments or engage in thrilling battles.
Dramatic Suspense
In dramas, suspense often arises from interpersonal conflicts, secrets, and emotional tensions between characters. The uncertainty of how relationships will evolve or conflicts will be resolved keeps readers hooked.
Authors often blend different types of suspense to create stories that keep readers engaged and eager to discover the outcomes of the unfolding events.
Examples Of Suspense
Here are examples of suspense in literature and screenwriting for each of the mentioned types:
Mystery Suspense – Examples Of Suspense
“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown
In this novel, the main character, Robert Langdon, becomes entangled in a web of confusing symbols and hidden messages. As Langdon attempts to solve the mystery surrounding a murder, the author provides clues and revelations that keep the reader speculating about the true nature of the secret he is trying to uncover.
Thriller Suspense – Examples Of Suspense
“The Bourne Identity” by Robert Ludlum
In this horror movie, the main character Jason Bourne loses his memory and is chased by dangerous enemies. The constant threat of violence, unexpected plot twists, and the dangerous nature of the situation create intense suspense as readers stay on edge, wondering how Bourne will navigate the dangerous world around him.
Romantic Suspense – Examples Of Suspense
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
In this classic romance novel, the love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is filled with uncertainties and obstacles. The suspense lies in whether they will overcome societal expectations, personal pride, and misunderstandings to ultimately end up together, keeping readers invested in the outcome of their relationship.
Psychological Suspense – Examples Of Suspense
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
This psychological thriller revolves around the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne. The narrative is driven by psychological twists, unreliable narrators, and a narrative structure that blurs the line between reality and perception. The suspense builds as readers question the motives and mental states of the characters.
Supernatural or Paranormal Suspense – Examples Of Suspense
“Stranger Things” (TV Series)
In this popular TV series, the town of Hawkins experiences supernatural phenomena, including the disappearance of a boy and the appearance of a girl with special abilities. The suspense increases as the characters confront mysterious forces from another dimension, creating a strange atmosphere that keeps viewers in suspense.
Action Suspense – Examples Of Suspense
“Die Hard” (Film)
In this action-packed film, NYPD officer John McClane finds himself trapped in a building with terrorists. The suspense is built through intense physical challenges, perilous situations, and thrilling battles as McClane tries to outsmart and overcome the enemies, creating a high-stakes experience for the audience.
Dramatic Suspense – Examples Of Suspense
“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
In this novel, the main characters, Hazel and Gus, face personal and health-related challenges. The suspense arises from the uncertainty about their future and the emotional tensions between the characters as they navigate love and loss. The reader is drawn in wondering how the characters will cope with their situation and what the ultimate solution will be.
Conclusion
Examples of suspense are like hidden treasures in storytelling. Whether it’s the excitement of solving a mystery, the heart-pounding moments in a thrilling action sequence, or the uncertainties of love and relationships, suspense adds a special flavor to our favorite stories. From the pages of books to the screens of movies and TV shows, these examples keep us on the edge of our seats, eagerly anticipating the next twist or revelation.
Ref: Scribophile
