Plot Devices: Using Conflict, Suspense, and Tension to Elevate Your Storytelling Game 📚🎬

Welcome to my blog! As an avid reader and a fan of movies and TV shows, I have come to realize that the best stories are the ones that keep you engaged from start to finish. And one of the most effective ways to do that is by using plot devices. In this post, we will be exploring three of the most powerful plot devices: conflict, suspense, and tension. Let’s dive in!

Conflict 🔥

Conflict is the backbone of any story. It’s what keeps the audience on the edge of their seats and what drives the plot forward. You can create conflict in a number of ways. It can be between characters, between the protagonist and the antagonist, or even between the protagonist and their own inner demons. Whatever form it takes, conflict is necessary to make the story interesting.

One great way to create conflict is to give your characters conflicting goals. For example, if your protagonist wants to save the world, but their love interest wants to destroy it, the resulting conflict will drive the story and keep the audience engaged.

Another way to create conflict is through the use of obstacles. If the protagonist has to overcome a series of obstacles to achieve their goal, it creates tension and conflict that will keep the audience invested in the story.

Suspense 🕵️‍♀️

Suspense is the feeling of uncertainty and anticipation that keeps the audience engaged in the story. It’s what makes the audience wonder what will happen next and keeps them guessing until the very end. Creating suspense is all about timing and pacing.

One way to create suspense is to withhold information from the audience. If the audience knows something that the characters don’t, it creates tension and suspense. This could be something as simple as a surprise guest showing up or a major plot twist that changes everything.

Another way to create suspense is through foreshadowing. If the audience knows that something bad is going to happen, they will be on the edge of their seats waiting for it to happen. This can be done through ominous music, clues that hint at future events, or even dialogue that hints at things to come.

Tension 😬

Tension is the feeling of unease and anxiety that keeps the audience invested in the story. It’s what makes them care about what happens to the characters and what drives the plot forward. Creating tension requires a delicate balance of pacing and emotional investment.

One way to create tension is to create a ticking clock. If the protagonist only has a limited amount of time to achieve their goal, it creates tension and urgency that will keep the audience invested in the story. This could be a literal clock counting down, or it could be a deadline that the protagonist has to meet.

Another way to create tension is through the use of emotional stakes. If the audience cares about what happens to the characters on an emotional level, they will be invested in the story. This could be something as simple as a character’s desire to reunite with a loved one or a character’s fear of failure.

And that’s it! By using conflict, suspense, and tension, you can elevate your storytelling game and keep your audience engaged from start to finish. Remember, the key to using these plot devices effectively is to balance them in a way that feels natural and organic. Happy writing!