SUSPENSE
Take good notes
on the elements of
suspense!
Descriptions of Suspense
 The uncertainty or anxiety
we feel about what is going
to happen next in a story.
 Page-turning pace that
keeps readers awake just to
turn the next page.
Characteristics of Suspense
 Reader wonders what will
happen next.
 Reader wonders when the
next plot surprise will spring
out at them.
 Reader wonders how the
character will resolve their
conflicts.
Elements of Suspense
 Each scene, chapter, event
ends on a “hook” to lure
readers to the next.
 High drama and emotion for
both the characters, and if
successful, the reader too.
Elements of Suspense ctd.
 much uncertainty
surrounding the main
suspect or there is more
than one.
 The reader must get to
know the villain as well as
they know the hero(ine).
 unexpected twists and
flashes of insight for both
the characters and the
reader.
Elements of Suspense ctd.
 hardly ever any coincidences.
 The hero(ine) takes an active
role in tracking down the pieces
of the puzzle.
 The timeline is short and the
hero(ine) is in constant and
ever-increasing peril.
 The climactic end is the result of
hero(ine) solving the mystery
and giving the villain his do.
Elements of Suspense ctd.
 The hero(ine) has help from
any number of people.
 Foreshadowing is used so
the reader won’t want to
wait to find out if it is true.
 The weather reflects the
emotions and attitudes of
the characters.
Elements of Suspense ctd.
 All five senses are
represented
 The readers understand the
villains motives, even if the
characters do not.
 Red herrings are used to
throw the hero(ine) and the
reader off track.
Let’s Get to Work!
 Use these notes to create a
storyboard of “The Cask of
Amontillado”.
 Draw a picture for all 6 frames
with an example of an element
of suspense.
 Write a caption that identifies
the suspense element from your
notes.
 Color it!
 Finish for homework!