Use foreshadowing to build suspense from "summary" of Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction by Patricia Highsmith
Foreshadowing is a technique that can be used to great effect in building suspense in a story. By planting subtle hints or clues early on in the narrative, the reader's curiosity is piqued and their anticipation is heightened. This creates a sense of unease and tension that keeps them engaged and eager to uncover what will happen next. Foreshadowing can take many forms, from a seemingly innocent comment made by a character to a vague description of an ominous event that is yet to come. These hints serve to foreshadow future events and create a sense of foreboding that hangs over the story like a dark cloud. The reader is left wondering what these clues mean and how they will play out in the unfolding narrative. One of the key benefits of using foreshadowing to build suspense is that it allows the author to control the pace of the story. By strategically placing these hints throughout the narrative, the author can manipulate the reader's emotions and guide them towards the climax of the story. This gradual buildup of tension keeps the reader on edge and invested in the outcome of the plot. Furthermore, foreshadowing can also serve to deepen the reader's engagement with the story. By giving them a glimpse of what is to come, the reader is encouraged to actively participate in piecing together the puzzle and predicting the eventual outcome. This interactive element adds another layer of complexity to the reading experience and can make the resolution of the story all the more satisfying.- Foreshadowing is a powerful tool that can be used to great effect in building suspense in a story. By planting subtle hints and clues throughout the narrative, the author can create a sense of unease and tension that keeps the reader engaged and eager to uncover what will happen next. This technique allows the author to control the pace of the story, deepen the reader's engagement, and ultimately deliver a satisfying and suspenseful reading experience.
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