Crafting Suspense: The Art of Telling a Great Story
Have you ever sat through a storytelling event and felt captivated by the tales told by skilled orators? Or, perhaps, have you read a fictional narrative that left you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover the next twist in the plot? The art of storytelling, whether through writing or speaking, rests on the precise balance of anticipation and uncertainty. This balance is what weaves a tale into an engaging narrative that resonates with the audience.
What makes a story good
A good story is one that sustains reader interest and generates a sense of anticipation mixed with uncertainty. This combination keeps the audience hooked, urging them to delve deeper into the narrative. When done effectively, a good story creates a thrilling experience that leaves a lasting impact.
Understanding Anticipation in Storytelling
To create this sense of anticipation, the author or speaker must master several techniques:
Unique Narrative: Start with a unique angle. Even if you decide to use traditional stories like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, infuse your version with a twist that makes it distinct. Emotional Engagement: Appeal to the emotions of the audience. Whether it's the excitement of a Christmas morning or the unexpected joy shared between characters, emotional moments can instill a powerful sense of anticipation. Building Pacing: Vary the pace of your storytelling to keep the audience engaged. Fast-paced segments can increase the tension, while slower parts can build a sense of suspense. Anticipation Cues: Utilize triggers, such as a witness's account or ambiguous actions, to set the stage for an exciting development.Examples of Effective Anticipation in Fiction
Let us explore a few examples from renowned authors to illustrate these techniques:
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
The opening of this novel is a prime example of a story that creates a powerful sense of anticipation:
“Don’t Need No Pen Name to Sell Books” Niffenegger opens the book with Clare Abshire’s writing. Within the first few sentences, the reader is introduced to a world filled with anticipation:
“I… / I have just reached a point where I don’t need to talk to a doctor or a counselor or a psychiatrist about this. I write the words on a blank white page: yes. / A sort of Christmas-morning sense. / For a moment, I am jubilant. I turn and come face to face with Henry. / I can barely refrain from throwing my arms around him. It is obvious that he has never seen me before in his life.”
The narrative sets a tone of anticipation and excitement, making the reader eager to discover the details of their relationship.
A Wanted Man by Lee Child
Lee Child’s novel, “A Wanted Man,” begins with a similar build-up:
“The eyewitness said he didn’t actually see it happen.”
This opening line introduces an enigma, setting the stage for a complex and suspenseful plot. The reader is immediately curious about what transpired and whether Jack Reacher will become involved in the unfolding events.
Drive by James Sallis
The opening of Sallis’s novel, “Drive,” is another masterpiece in building anticipation:
“Much later as he sat with his back against an inside wall of a Motel 6 just north of Phoenix watching the pool of blood lap toward him Driver would wonder whether he had made a terrible mistake. Later still of course there'd be no doubt. But for now Driver is as they say in the moment. And the moment includes this blood lapping toward him the pressure of dawn's late light at windows and door traffic sounds from the interstate nearby the sound of someone weeping in the next room.”
This paragraph is a masterclass in creating anticipation. It sets up a series of forward-moving questions, each adding to the suspense and the reader’s curiosity.
Conclusion
Effective storytelling hinges on the ability to weave a narrative that generates anticipation and uncertainty. By leveraging unique narratives, emotional engagement, pacing, and anticipation cues, storytellers can captivate their audience and create unforgettable experiences. Whether you are a writer or a speaker, mastering these techniques is essential to crafting a great story that resonates with your audience.