Suspense is a powerful storytelling tool that captivates audiences by creating tension and anticipation. It operates on the principle of withholding information or delaying the resolution of important questions, thereby piquing the audience’s curiosity and keeping them engaged until the climax. There are two main types of questions that suspense raises in the minds of the audience: those related to causality (the “whodunnit?” question) and those concerning temporality (the “what will happen next?” question). These questions are prominently featured in two distinct genres—the detective story and the adventure story.

1. Causality in Detective Stories (“Whodunnit?”): In detective stories, suspense revolves around the central mystery: a crime has been committed, and the audience is left wondering about the identity of the perpetrator. The plot is constructed in a way that reveals clues and red herrings, leading both the protagonist (the detective) and the audience on a journey to uncover the truth. As the story progresses, more questions arise, and the tension builds as the audience attempts to piece together the puzzle. The resolution of the mystery is often delayed until the end, ensuring that the audience remains engrossed until the final reveal.

The detective plays a crucial role in maintaining suspense. Their pursuit of the truth involves strategic thinking, deduction, and the unveiling of hidden connections between seemingly unrelated events. The audience follows the detective’s thought process and becomes emotionally invested in solving the mystery alongside them. This engagement heightens the sense of suspense as they navigate through twists and turns, suspecting various characters and scenarios until the truth is finally unveiled.

2. Temporality in Adventure Stories (“What Will Happen Next?”): In adventure stories, suspense arises from the anticipation of future events and the uncertainty surrounding the hero or heroine’s fate. The protagonist often finds themselves in perilous situations, facing dangerous adversaries, natural disasters, or life-threatening challenges. The story employs a series of cliffhangers—suspenseful moments that leave the protagonist in imminent danger—to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

With each cliffhanger, the audience experiences sympathetic fear and anxiety, genuinely concerned about the outcome of the protagonist’s predicament. Will they survive? Can they overcome the odds? These questions keep the audience engaged and emotionally invested in the story. As the adventure unfolds, the protagonist must display courage, resourcefulness, and resilience to escape perilous situations, leading to moments of relief and triumph.

Here’s a 10-point list of suspenseful characteristics commonly found in thrillers:

1. Cliffhangers: Thrillers often employ cliffhanger endings or chapter breaks, leaving the audience in suspense and eager to know what happens next.
2. Time Pressure: Adding a ticking clock or a sense of urgency to the story creates tension as the protagonist races against time to achieve their goal or avert a disaster.
3. Unexpected Twists: Unforeseen plot twists and revelations keep the audience guessing and engaged, as they try to unravel the mystery alongside the protagonist.
4. Moral Dilemmas: Confronting the protagonist with difficult choices and moral dilemmas generates suspense, as the audience wonders how they will navigate these challenges.
5. Red Herrings: Introducing false clues or misleading information keeps the audience on their toes and heightens the sense of mystery and uncertainty.
6. Unpredictable Antagonists: Antagonists with complex motives or hidden identities create a sense of unpredictability, leaving the audience uncertain about their next move.
7. Narrow Escapes: Moments where the protagonist barely avoids danger or capture create heart-pounding excitement and maintain a constant state of suspense.
8. Psychological Mind Games: Pitting the protagonist against a manipulative and cunning adversary who challenges them mentally adds psychological depth and intensity to the story.
9. Unresolved Questions: Leaving some questions unanswered or mysterious elements unexplained keeps the audience curious and invested in finding out the truth.
10. High-Stakes Situations: Placing the protagonist in life-threatening situations or situations where the consequences of failure are dire heightens tension and keeps the audience invested in the outcome.

Incorporating these suspenseful characteristics into a thriller ensures that readers or viewers are hooked, eagerly turning pages or glued to their seats, as they journey through the twists and turns of a gripping and thrilling narrative.