By creating a sense of danger for the abductee. If the abductee is in a strange or life - threatening situation, like in 'The Host', it builds suspense. The reader wonders if they will escape or what will happen to them. In these novels, the authors also use pacing. Slow - paced scenes that build up to the abduction and then fast - paced scenes during the captivity or attempts to escape all contribute to the overall suspense.
Abduction fiction stories create suspense in multiple ways. First, by setting an ordinary scene at the beginning and then shattering it with the abduction event. This contrast catches the reader off - guard. Second, the lack of information about the abductee's fate keeps the reader on edge. Is the character alive? Are they being tortured? Moreover, the introduction of strange or otherworldly elements in the abduction, such as in some stories where the abductors have superhuman abilities, heightens the sense of mystery and suspense. The reader is constantly trying to figure out what these elements mean and how they will affect the story.
Often, murder novels create suspense through withholding key information. For example, they might not reveal the identity of the killer right away.
Fiction crime novels also create suspense through character development. If the main character is in danger, and we've come to care about them through the development of their personality and backstory, we'll be more on edge. Take 'The Silence of the Lambs' for instance. Clarice Starling is a well - developed character, and as she gets closer to the serial killer, the suspense builds.
Well, one way kidnapped fiction creates suspense is through the setting. If the victim is held in a remote or unknown location, like in some crime novels, it adds an element of mystery. For instance, in 'Kidnapped', the young man is in unfamiliar and often dangerous places. Another way is through the relationships of the characters. The kidnapper - victim relationship can be complex and full of psychological tension. In 'The Lovely Bones', the relationship between the dead girl and her killer is explored in a very suspenseful way. And the false leads and red herrings in the story also create suspense. The reader is constantly trying to figure out what is real and what is a distraction, as in many detective - like kidnapped fictions.
Treasure hunt fiction novels usually create suspense in multiple ways. Firstly, they set a time limit or a race against other parties. This is seen in 'National Treasure' where the main characters have to find the treasure before the bad guys do. Secondly, the clues are often cryptic. In 'The Lost Symbol', the symbols need to be decoded accurately. Also, the settings play a role. If it's a dark, unknown place like in 'Treasure Island', it adds to the suspense.
They often use medical jargon and procedures. For instance, when a detective or a character is trying to figure out a strange illness or a cause of death, the complex medical terms and procedures add mystery. Just like in 'Coma', the way the patients are put into comas through some unknown medical means keeps the readers in suspense.
They often create suspense by withholding key information about the character's past. In 'Before I Go to Sleep', the main character's amnesia means she doesn't know who she can trust. As she tries to piece together her past through her journal, the author drops hints and red herrings. Every new discovery or false lead builds suspense. Also, the fear of the unknown in the character's past due to amnesia is a big factor in creating suspense. If the character has done something bad in the past that they can't remember, that's a great source of suspense.
Survival stories fiction often create suspense through the constant threat of danger. For example, in 'The Hunger Games', the main character Katniss is always in danger of being killed by other tributes or the traps set in the arena. This keeps the reader on edge, wondering if she will survive.
Often through withholding key medical information. For example, in many medical mystery fictions, the cause of a strange illness is not revealed immediately. The author may give some symptoms but keep the real disease or condition a mystery, which makes readers keep guessing.
Often by keeping the identity of the thief hidden. The reader is left guessing who could be behind the art theft. Also, by creating a complex web of motives. Maybe it's for money, revenge or just the love of the art piece itself.