Mystery & Suspense Unit ...
The Elements of Mystery and Suspense
Why are some stories so intriguing Why are some stories so intriguing? Why do some stories keep our interest while others do not? Conflict and Suspense are two elements that make stories more powerful.
A CONFLICT IS A STRUGGLE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE FORCES. * GIVES ENERGY TO THE STORY * CAUSES US TO FEEL SUSPENSE
Conflict is the … fundamental element of fiction, necessary because in literature, only trouble is interesting. -Janet Burroway
EXTERNAL: INTERNAL: Person (or animal) vs. Group/Society types of conflict EXTERNAL: Person (or animal) vs. Group/Society Person (or animal) vs. Nature Person (or animal) vs. Person INTERNAL: Person (or animal) vs. Self
SUSPENSE THE UNCERTAINTY OR ANXIETY A READER FEELS ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT IN A STORY
Alfred Hitchcock, the Master of Suspense
What main elements create suspense? 1. Foreshadowing 2. Mystery 3. Dilemma 4. Reversal
FORESHADOWING A writer gives clues (sometimes false clues) to hint at what will happen later in the story. WATCH FOR THE CLUES!
Any unusual or mysterious circumstance creates suspense. M Y S T E RY The author withholds some information from the reader – Who is the murderer? How was the crime committed? Any unusual or mysterious circumstance creates suspense.
What will the character choose? Will the character succeed? A CHARACTER IS IN GREAT DANGER OR MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN TWO THREATENING COURSES OF ACTION! What will the character choose? Will the character succeed? YIKES!!! DILEMMA
THE SITUATION SUDDENLY CHANGES. REVERSAL THE SITUATION SUDDENLY CHANGES. Things are going one way and then they shift. It is usually an unexpected change that leaves the reader wondering what will happen next.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THESE TYPES OF STORIES? DON'T LEAVE US IN SUSPENSE... WHAT ARE SOME OF THESE TYPES OF STORIES?
MYSTERY STORIES Work of fiction in which the evidence related to a crime or mysterious event is presented so that the reader can solve the problem. The author’s solution is the final piece of the puzzle.
What makes a good mystery? Clues are available to the reader The crime happens early in the plot The crime is significant. All suspects are known There are a limited number of characters. The author uses misleading clues which are called “Red Herrings.”
C L I F F H A N G E R A story that ends leaving the reader in suspense. It may leave the reader wondering what really happened.
REMEMBER TO STAY ON YOUR TOES. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT MAY HAPPEN... WITH SUSPENSE, REMEMBER TO STAY ON YOUR TOES. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT MAY HAPPEN...