Well, King is a master of pacing. In the school shooter novel, he may start with small, strange incidents in the school that seem harmless at first. But as the story progresses, these incidents start to connect and point towards something much more sinister. He also uses the element of the unknown. We don't know exactly when the shooting will start or who will be the first victim. This keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, constantly in a state of anticipation.
Stephen King builds suspense by creating complex characters. The shooter isn't just a one - dimensional villain. He might give the shooter some relatable qualities or a backstory that makes the reader feel a sense of unease. We start to wonder how someone who could have some good in them could do such a terrible thing. Also, he may use the setting of the school. The familiar and usually safe environment of a school turned into a place of danger creates a lot of suspense.
He uses details. Every creak of the floorboards in the room, every shadow in the corner can be a source of suspense. By describing these small things in a vivid way, he makes the reader feel as if they are in the room too and are on edge.
The character of 'It' itself is a great suspense - builder. Since 'It' can take different forms, the readers are always on edge, not knowing what form 'It' will take next. Also, the pacing of the story helps. There are slow, tense moments where the characters are just waiting for something to happen, and then sudden, terrifying events.
He uses the unknown. The mist itself is a big mystery. We don't know what's in it at first, which creates immediate suspense. Also, the slow revelation of the creatures. He doesn't show all the terrifying things right away. Instead, he gives little hints and glimpses, like the tentacles at the beginning. This keeps the reader on edge, wondering what else is lurking.
Stephen King often uses the unknown to create suspense in his detective novels. He might introduce a mysterious character or a strange event at the start. For example, in 'The Outsider', the initial crime scene is so baffling that it immediately hooks the reader. It makes you wonder how on earth such a thing could have happened.
I'm not sure specifically which 'Stephen King School Shooter Story' you're referring to. King has written many disturbing and thought - provoking stories, but without more context, it's hard to say exactly what this one is about.
He uses foreshadowing. King drops little hints early in the story about what might come later. This makes the reader anticipate and be on guard for something bad or strange to happen.
He uses the element of the unknown. The identity of the real perpetrator is a mystery for a long time. Also, he builds suspense through the characters' reactions. As they start to suspect something is not right, it makes the reader wonder too. And the slow revelation of the supernatural aspects adds to the suspense.
He uses the isolation of the setting. Paul is trapped in Annie's house in a remote location. There's no easy way for him to get help, which immediately creates a sense of danger and suspense.
One of the main themes could be the exploration of human darkness. Stephen King often delves into the minds of disturbed characters. In a school shooter - themed novel, it might show how a person can reach such a tragic and violent state. It could also touch on themes of the impact on the community, like the grief and fear that spreads through the school and the town.
He often uses the unknown. For example, in many stories, there are strange creatures or phenomena that are not fully explained at first. This makes the readers keep guessing and creates suspense.