Tension

Definition

Tension refers to the mental or emotional strain that arises in storytelling, creating a sense of suspense and anticipation in the audience. It drives the narrative forward by keeping viewers engaged, as they wonder what will happen next and how characters will respond to various challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tension is most effectively established in Act I through setup and inciting incidents that introduce conflict and stakes.
2. Memorable protagonists and antagonists enhance tension by embodying opposing desires or goals, forcing conflict to unfold.
3. Subtext in dialogue can create tension by revealing hidden motivations or emotions that complicate relationships between characters.
4. Well-structured scenes utilize tension to maintain interest and push characters toward critical decisions or actions.
5. Balancing action, dialogue, and description helps sustain tension without overwhelming the audience, allowing for moments of release.

Review Questions

• How does tension manifest during the setup and inciting incident of a story?
  • Tension is crucial during the setup and inciting incident as it introduces conflict that hooks the audience's attention. The setup establishes the status quo, while the inciting incident disrupts it, creating uncertainty. This disruption generates questions in the viewer's mind about how characters will navigate challenges, thus laying the groundwork for escalating tension throughout the story.
• In what ways do protagonists and antagonists contribute to tension within a screenplay?
  • Protagonists and antagonists are central to building tension, as their conflicting goals create a dynamic narrative. The protagonist's journey often involves overcoming obstacles posed by the antagonist, which raises stakes and keeps viewers invested. Their interactions, marked by rivalry or confrontation, serve to heighten emotional stakes, increasing tension as audiences root for one side over the other.
• Analyze how subtext in dialogue can create tension between characters and impact audience engagement.
  • Subtext in dialogue enhances tension by suggesting underlying conflicts or emotions that are not directly stated. When characters speak with hidden motives or unresolved issues, it creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that keeps the audience on edge. This unspoken tension adds depth to character relationships and prompts viewers to pay close attention to nuances, ultimately increasing their engagement with the narrative.

Related terms

Conflict:

A struggle between opposing forces, which is essential for creating tension and advancing the plot.

Pacing:

The speed at which a story unfolds, influencing how tension builds and is released throughout the narrative.

Stakes: The consequences or risks involved for characters, which heightens tension by making the audience care about the outcomes.