Horror thriller stories create suspense by playing with the reader's or viewer's expectations. In 'It', the shape - shifting nature of the monster means you never really know what form it will take next. This uncertainty is what creates suspense. Also, the pacing of the story is important. A slow build - up, like in 'The Birds', where at first it's just a few strange bird behaviors and then it escalates into a full - blown attack, keeps the audience in a state of anticipation. And the use of unreliable narrators, like in some horror thrillers, can also add to the mystery and suspense.
They often use the unknown. For example, in many horror thriller novels, there are hidden forces or killers that the characters (and readers) don't fully understand at first. This makes the readers keep reading to find out what's really going on.
Suspense is a big part. Writers build up tension by slowly revealing information. Take 'Jaws' for instance. The shark is not shown fully for a long time. The characters are in danger, but we don't know when it will strike next. This keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and that anticipation turns into fear. Also, they play on our primal fears like the fear of the dark, death, or being alone. In a lot of haunted house stories, the isolation of the characters in a dark, spooky place amps up the fear factor.
They often use unreliable narrators. For example, in 'The Girl on the Train', the narrator's alcohol - addled memories make you question what's real. This creates doubt and suspense.
Medical thriller novels often create suspense through the use of medical jargon and procedures that are not well - known to the general public. For example, in 'Coma', the idea of anesthesia awareness and the misuse of medical equipment in a hospital setting are both sources of suspense.
They often use real historical events or settings as a backdrop. For example, if a novel is set during a war, the chaos and danger of the war situation create an immediate sense of suspense. Writers also introduce mystery elements like hidden secrets or unsolved crimes from the past. These secrets can be related to historical figures or artifacts. The characters are often in a race against time to uncover the truth, which adds to the suspense.
By making the threat seem real. If the horror story is set in a normal, everyday place like a suburban neighborhood, it makes it more relatable. And when the danger starts to unfold there, it's scarier. Also, they use jump scares. A sudden loud noise or a quick appearance of something terrifying can startle the audience. And the use of atmosphere is crucial. A dark, dank, and silent setting can make you feel on edge even before anything really bad happens.
Horror mysteries create suspense through their settings. For example, in a spooky old mansion like in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the creaky floors and dark corridors immediately make you feel on edge. The unknown also plays a big part. When the characters don't know what's causing the strange noises or disappearances, it makes the readers or viewers wonder and be in suspense.
Suspense in horror adventure stories is often created by setting. Take 'The Shining' for instance. The isolated hotel in the middle of the snow - covered mountains is a perfect backdrop for a sense of unease. The characters are cut off from the outside world, and as strange things start to happen, the reader is on edge. Also, the use of foreshadowing helps. In 'Dracula', the early mentions of the count's strange powers and the disappearances in the area foreshadow the horror to come.
By using vivid descriptions of settings and characters. A hooked horror story might describe a dark, decrepit house in great detail, with creaking floorboards and peeling wallpaper. The description of the menacing character, like a figure with a menacing grin and glowing eyes, adds to the suspense. The reader is constantly on edge, waiting for the character to make a move.
Mystery and horror stories create suspense in multiple ways. Firstly, the pacing is crucial. A slow build - up with small, mysterious events gradually leading to a big revelation or a terrifying climax can keep readers hooked. Secondly, the use of unreliable narrators can be very effective. In a mystery, if the narrator may be lying or misinterpreting things, it adds to the mystery. In horror, an unreliable narrator can make the reader doubt what is real and what is not, thus creating suspense. Also, the sense of the unknown, whether it's an unexplained phenomenon in a mystery or an otherworldly being in a horror story, is a powerful tool for creating suspense.