1. Can You Handle … … … The SUSPENSE!

2. How often did you find yourself “anticipating” what might happen to Rainsford next? When does “The Most Dangerous Game” first introduce this element of suspense?

3. Suspense… More than a Mystery Suspense demands engagement in the story, as the author asks us to question: What Happens Next? In trying to determine that, it can leave us frustrated, scared, worried, wondering, or excited. Ultimately, suspense leaves the reader anticipating what will happen next but not trying to solve it, like a mystery.

4. So What’s the Difference Between Mystery and Suspense? http://youtu.be/-Xs111uH9ss (click to play) Let’s ask writer/director and so called “Master of Suspense” Alfred Hitchcock (pictured right)

5. Emotion & Pacing So the big thing is emotional involvement. Suspense causes an emotional reaction in the reader, beyond mere curiosity, it typically plays on fear or excitement. However, suspense also involves the pacing of a story.

6. So What is Pacing? Simply put, it is slowing down or speeding up of the story at certain key points. Slowing down and speeding up, a story, both increase a reader’s anticipation. Think about the music in a scary film, it often starts slow and soft, but builds louder and faster. Need an Example? http://youtu.be/wCfWHqrYUqohttp://youtu.be/wCfWHqrYUqo

7. Think Back to “The Most Dangerous Game” Now, in Groups of 1-3, list 3 different suspenseful events in the story. Then, describe why each 1 is so suspenseful in 3-4 sentences, a piece. *Remember to Include All Group Members’ Names On 1 Paper.