Footsteps create tension by making the reader wonder who or what is approaching. The mystery builds suspense.
The simple sound of footsteps in a scary story can create a great deal of tension. When we hear footsteps, our minds start to race. We don't know if it's a friend or foe. And in a scary story, it's usually the latter. The writer might describe the slow, deliberate footsteps getting closer and closer. This makes the reader feel as if they are the character in the story, waiting in fear for whatever is making those footsteps to appear. It's a very effective way to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
They build tension by being unexpected. When you least expect it, you hear those footsteps, and it immediately grabs your attention and makes you feel on edge.
Well, in many scary stories, footsteps can mean different things. Sometimes they represent the lingering presence of someone who's passed away. For example, in a haunted house story, you might hear the soft footsteps of a former resident who met a tragic end. It creates an atmosphere of unease and mystery, as the characters (and the readers) don't know who or what is making those sounds. And it builds up the tension, making us anticipate something bad is about to happen.
Writers create tension in erotic romance stories through the characters' internal struggles. For instance, if one character has moral or ethical beliefs that conflict with their growing sexual attraction to another. Also, external factors like family or social disapproval can add to the tension.
They often use things like an unknown threat. For instance, in a story, there might be a shadowy figure that the main character keeps seeing but doesn't know who it is. This makes the reader wonder what the figure will do.
One way to build tension is through pacing. Slow down the story when something spooky is about to happen. For instance, if your character is approaching a haunted house, describe every step, every breath they take. Another method is to use short, choppy sentences when the danger is near. Like 'She heard a noise. It was getting closer. She couldn't move.' This makes the reader feel the character's fear.
Another way is by showing the desperation of the characters trying to rescue the kidnapped one. If they face numerous obstacles like powerful enemies or difficult terrains, it adds to the tension. For instance, if the Cullens have to fight through an army of new vampires to reach the kidnapped character, the readers will be worried about their success.
Another way is through the description of Taehyung's own state. If he's in pain but trying to be strong, or if he's confused and hurt by the situation, it makes the readers feel for him. The writers might also introduce some obstacles in his recovery process, like a lack of proper medical facilities or some internal conflicts within the group that delay his getting better. This all serves to create and maintain tension throughout the fanfiction.
They often use a countdown or time - limit element. For example, the kidnappers may set a deadline for their demands to be met, like in 'The Siege'. This makes the reader feel the pressure and urgency.
The 'drip drip drop' sound can create tension by being an unexpected noise in a quiet setting. For example, if a character is alone in a dark cellar, the sudden sound of dripping will make them jump and immediately put them on edge.
In triangle romance novels, the competition between the two love interests creates tension. For example, in a love triangle where one character is a good - hearted but poor man and the other is a rich and charming man, the heroine's indecision makes the readers eager to know who she will choose.