Tension

Definition

Tension refers to the feeling of mental or emotional strain that creates suspense and anticipation in a narrative. It serves as a driving force in storytelling, drawing viewers into the plot and keeping them engaged by making them eager to see what happens next. By introducing conflicts and unresolved scenarios, tension keeps audiences invested in characters' fates and motivates them to continue watching.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tension is often established through escalating conflicts that challenge characters, making their goals more difficult to achieve.
2. In episodic storytelling, tension can be built over multiple episodes, allowing for deeper character arcs and complex plots that keep viewers coming back for more.
3. Cliffhangers are a specific technique used to heighten tension by leaving crucial plot points unresolved at the end of an episode or season.
4. Tension can be both emotional, relating to characters’ relationships, and situational, arising from external threats or obstacles.
5. Music and pacing are important tools in building tension, with suspenseful scores or slow reveals amplifying the emotional stakes for the audience.

Review Questions

• How does tension function in episodic storytelling to maintain viewer engagement?
  • Tension in episodic storytelling plays a crucial role in maintaining viewer engagement by creating unresolved conflicts that compel audiences to return for subsequent episodes. By gradually escalating challenges faced by characters, each episode builds on the previous tension, fostering a deeper emotional connection with the audience. This cumulative effect keeps viewers invested in the characters' journeys and the overarching plot.
• What techniques can writers use to create effective cliffhangers that heighten tension at the end of an episode?
  • Writers can create effective cliffhangers by introducing unexpected twists or posing critical questions that leave viewers anxious for resolution. This might involve putting a beloved character in peril, revealing shocking secrets, or ending an episode with a pivotal moment left hanging. These strategies heighten tension by leaving audiences on edge and eager to find out what happens next.
• Analyze how emotional and situational tension interact within a narrative to enhance overall storytelling.
  • Emotional and situational tension interact dynamically within a narrative to enhance overall storytelling by creating layers of conflict that resonate with viewers. Emotional tension arises from character relationships and personal stakes, while situational tension is driven by external obstacles or threats. When combined effectively, these tensions not only elevate the stakes but also deepen audience investment in characters' fates, making the narrative more compelling and engaging.

Related terms

Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces that drives the narrative forward, creating tension and compelling character development.

Suspense: The state of uncertainty or anxiety regarding an outcome, often heightening tension by delaying resolution and keeping viewers on edge.

Resolution: The conclusion of a narrative arc where conflicts are resolved, providing closure and often reducing the tension built throughout the story.