Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Suspense Techniques

Define the terms first:

Dialogue Means Nothing- Character must be pre-occupied; eyes reveal what a person wants/needs

Keep the Story Simple- simplistic linear stories that audience can easily follow

Characters Must Break Cliche- make characters exact opposite of stereotypes

Use Humor to Add Tension- ironic situations for character; coincidence

Two Things Happening at Once- contrasting situations; two unrelated things together; audience focuses on one, the second usually being a humor gesture/dialogue 

Suspense is Information- show audience what is to happen while the characters are unaware for it to happen

Surprise and Twist- never have an expected ending; lead towards one direction (ending) then "pull the rug out from under them"

Warning May Cause MacGuffin- random plot devices; builds dramatic tension

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