How Do You Create Tension in Writing?

Tension derives from the amount of information you choose to share. When an audience knows more than your characters do, they sit and wait for every word and action and are treated to a pure moment of suspense, rather than just shock.

The Difference Between Tension and Shock

Simply put, tension lies in anticipation, whilst shock lies in surprise. The two can be equally effective in their different ways but they are separate from each other, whilst often combining effectively.

The Best Tension in Screenwriting and Filmmaking

The best examples of tension in screenwriting and filmmaking occur when the creators in some way both fulfil and subvert audience expectations. They lead the audience on, making them expect an outcome. Then they either fulfil that outcome as expected, releasing tension, or subvert the expected outcome, further compounding the tension and morphing it into something like shock.

Writing Tension in Screenplays: Learn from 10 NAIL-BITING Scenes

Table of ContentsWriting Tension: The Difference Between Shock and Suspense 1. The Farmhouse Interrogation (Inglorious Bastards) Instability to Create TensionDramatic Irony to Create Tension2. The T-Rex Escapes (Jurassic Park)3. Buffalo Bill’s Basement (The Silence of the Lambs) 4. The Underwater Heist (Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation) Heightening the Stakes 5. Battle of the Bastards (Game of Thrones)6. The Coin Flip (No Country for Old Men) Applying Pressure with the Antagonist 7. The Ferry Climax (The Dark Knight) The Rules of the

Members only

This article continues in our Members Area

Join SCREENWRITING: EVOLVED for full access to 700+ guides, whitepapers, the script library, industry interviews and much more.

Join SCREENWRITING: EVOLVED — just $9.99/month

Cancel any time · No commitment