Tension

Definition

Tension refers to the sense of anticipation or conflict that keeps readers engaged in a narrative. It's an essential element in storytelling that creates suspense, driving the narrative forward and compelling the audience to invest emotionally in the outcome. In investigative reporting, tension helps to highlight the stakes involved and can elevate the drama of the story, making it more impactful and memorable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tension is crucial in investigative reporting as it highlights critical moments and decisions that can impact lives and communities.
2. Creating tension often involves revealing information gradually, which keeps the audience guessing and engaged throughout the story.
3. Effective pacing can amplify tension; by alternating between slow and fast moments, reporters can manipulate how the audience experiences the buildup to critical events.
4. Tension can arise from various sources, including ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, which adds depth and complexity to investigative stories.
5. The resolution of tension is key to storytelling; how reporters choose to reveal findings can significantly affect the audience's emotional response.

Review Questions

• How does tension contribute to reader engagement in investigative reporting?
  • Tension keeps readers on the edge of their seats by creating a sense of anticipation about how events will unfold. In investigative reporting, this can manifest through uncovering hidden truths or exposing corruption. By strategically revealing information and creating conflicts within the story, journalists can maintain interest and emotional investment, leading to a more impactful narrative.
• Discuss how pacing influences the development of tension in a story.
  • Pacing is integral to developing tension because it dictates how quickly or slowly information is revealed. A slow buildup allows for suspense to grow, making readers anxious for resolution. Conversely, quick bursts of action can heighten excitement. Balancing these elements helps sustain interest and keeps readers engaged through the climax of the story.
• Evaluate the role of ethical dilemmas in creating tension within investigative narratives.
  • Ethical dilemmas often serve as powerful sources of tension in investigative reporting. When journalists face challenging moral choices—such as deciding whether to publish sensitive information or protecting sources—this conflict not only heightens drama but also encourages readers to reflect on broader societal issues. By illustrating these dilemmas, reporters enhance narrative depth and compel audiences to grapple with complex questions surrounding truth, accountability, and justice.

Related terms

Conflict: A struggle between opposing forces that can be internal or external, creating the basis for tension in a narrative.

Suspense: The feeling of excitement or anxious uncertainty about what may happen next, often used to build tension in storytelling.

Climax: The peak of tension in a narrative where the main conflict reaches its most intense point, leading to a resolution.