Heighten Tension in Writing: Pacing in Storytelling

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

If you've ever found yourself on the edge of your seat while reading, chances are, the author has expertly manipulated the pacing of their story. This blog post will delve into the art of pacing in storytelling, where we'll explore how it heightens tension and keeps readers hooked. Let's discuss what best describes how the pacing of events heightens tension and how you can use it to your advantage in your writing.

What is Pacing?

Before we delve into the intricacies of how pacing can heighten tension, let's first understand what pacing is in the realm of storytelling.

Definition of Pacing

Pacing, in its simplest form, refers to the speed at which a story unfolds. It can range from rapid, breathless action sequences to slow, introspective moments that dive deep into a character's psyche. But it's not just about speed—pacing also involves rhythm, the ebb and flow of tension and release that keeps readers engaged.

Importance of Pacing

The pacing of a story can make or break a reader's engagement. Too fast, and important details might be missed, creating confusion. Too slow, and the story risks becoming tedious, causing the reader to lose interest. By skillfully controlling the pacing, you can guide your reader's emotions, build suspense, and create a satisfying narrative arc.

Examples of Pacing

Think of a thriller novel, where the pacing is often fast and intense—this creates a sense of urgency and danger. On the other hand, a coming-of-age novel might have a slower, more thoughtful pace, allowing readers to fully experience the protagonist's growth and development. These examples show how pacing can be tailored to the needs of the story, enhancing its impact and resonance with readers.

Now that we've established what pacing is, let's explore the techniques that can help you manipulate pacing to heighten tension in your storytelling.

Build Suspense through Pacing

Ever wondered how some authors keep you turning pages late into the night? The secret lies in their ability to build suspense, and pacing is a crucial tool at their disposal. Let's examine how we can use pacing to create a sense of anticipation that leaves readers eager for more.

Use Time Constraints

Adding a ticking clock to your story is a proven way to ramp up the tension. Whether it's a bomb set to explode, a looming deadline, or a race against the setting sun, time constraints create urgency. They compel the reader to ask: "Will the hero make it in time?" This question drives the pace of the story, and keeps readers engaged.

Create Obstacles

Imagine your protagonist is on a smooth, obstacle-free journey. Sounds boring, right? To keep the pacing tight and tension high, throw some roadblocks their way. These could be physical challenges, emotional dilemmas, or conflicts with other characters. Overcoming these obstacles not only adds complexity to your story, but also keeps readers on their toes.

Employ Cliffhangers

Cliffhangers are like pauses in a symphony—they make the return to the melody that much more satisfying. By ending a chapter or scene on a moment of suspense, you're encouraging the reader to keep going to find out what happens next. But remember, a cliffhanger is a promise of resolution, so make sure you deliver on that promise in a way that satisfies your reader's curiosity.

So, that's how you can use pacing to build suspense. But pacing isn't just about suspense—it's also about creating a rhythm that enhances the overall mood and tone of your story. Let's see how we can manipulate the tempo for maximum effect.

Manipulate Tempo for Effect

Just like a good piece of music, a well-told story has its own rhythm. By manipulating the tempo of your narrative, you can directly influence the reader's emotional response and enhance their overall experience. But how exactly can we control this narrative 'tempo'? Let's dive in and find out.

Vary Sentence Structure

Did you know that you can control the pace of your story just by playing around with sentence lengths? Short sentences often speed up the pace, creating tension and excitement. On the other hand, longer sentences tend to slow the pace down, allowing for introspection and detail. A mix of both can help maintain a balanced tempo that keeps readers engaged.

Control Chapter Length

Chapter length can significantly affect the pacing of your story. Short chapters often create a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers flipping pages, while longer chapters can slow down the pace and allow for more detailed exploration of characters or settings. Deciding which to use when is a strategic choice, one you can make based on the needs of your story at any given moment.

Use Dialogue Wisely

Dialogue can be a powerful pacing tool. Rapid-fire dialogue can quicken the pace, while longer dialogue exchanges can slow it down. But remember, dialogue isn't just about what's being said—it's also about what's not being said. Pauses, interruptions, and unspoken words can all add tension and contribute to the pacing.

Now you know how to manipulate the tempo of your story. But there's more to creating tension than just pacing and tempo. Let's see how foreshadowing can be exploited to heighten tension.

Exploit Foreshadowing to Heighten Tension

Have you ever read a book that kept you on the edge of your seat, anxiously turning pages as you tried to guess what would happen next? That's the power of foreshadowing. It's a subtle art, but when done right, it can significantly heighten the tension in your story.

Hint at Future Events

One way to create tension is to give your readers a sneak peek of what's to come. This could be as subtle as a character's offhand comment or as obvious as a prophecy. The key here is balance—you want to pique your readers' curiosity without giving too much away. Making your readers ask "what's going to happen next?" is a great way to keep them hooked.

Create Dread with Predictability

While unpredictability can certainly create tension, there's something equally unnerving about a dreadful event that's bound to happen. This can be particularly effective when the characters know what's coming, but are powerless to stop it. The anticipation of the inevitable can create a slow-burning tension that keeps readers emotionally invested.

So, you've learned that foreshadowing can be an effective tool to heighten tension in your story. But there's another element that can subtly contribute to tension: subtext. Let's explore how to master this art.

Master the Art of Subtext

Subtext is like the secret sauce of storytelling. It's what's not said, but implied. It's the undercurrent of tension beneath the surface of dialogue and action. Subtext is the hidden depth that adds layers to your characters and complexity to your plot. Let's explore how to use it to heighten tension in your story.

Use 'Show, Don't Tell'

One of the fundamental rules of good writing is 'show, don't tell'. Instead of telling your readers that a character is nervous, show them: describe the character's sweaty palms, the way they bite their lip, their jittery movements. This places your reader in the middle of the action, allowing them to experience the tension directly.

Utilize Character Thoughts and Reactions

Subtext often lies in what a character thinks but doesn't say. This can be a rich source of tension, especially if there's a disconnect between a character's thoughts and actions. Let your readers into your character's mind—show them the worries, hopes, and fears that the character keeps hidden. This not only deepens your character development, but also creates a sense of intimacy and tension that keeps readers engaged.

It's clear that mastering the art of subtext is a powerful way to heighten tension in your story. But there's another, perhaps more obvious, source of tension: conflict. Let's see how you can understand and use conflict to your advantage.

Understand the Role of Conflict

Conflict is the engine that drives your plot. It's the friction that keeps readers turning pages. Understanding the role of conflict in your story, and knowing how to use it effectively, is crucial in creating a gripping narrative that keeps your readers on the edge of their seats.

Create Internal and External Conflict

Internal conflict is the struggle within a character's mind—think of Hamlet's to-be-or-not-to-be dilemma. External conflict, on the other hand, is the struggle between a character and an outside force—Harry Potter's battle against Voldemort, for instance. Both types of conflict are vital in a story: internal conflict gives depth to your characters, making them feel real and relatable, while external conflict drives the plot forward. So, make sure your story has a healthy mix of both.

Escalate Conflict

As your story progresses, the stakes should get higher, the problems more complicated. This escalation of conflict not only keeps the plot moving, but also heightens the tension, making readers wonder: how will the characters get out of this mess? It's this "what happens next?" question that keeps readers hooked.

Resolve Conflict in a Satisfying Way

After all the build-up, the resolution of the conflict should feel satisfying. This doesn't mean it has to be a happy ending—tragedy can be just as satisfying, if done right. What matters is that the resolution ties up loose ends, answers questions, and completes character arcs in a way that feels true to the story.

With a solid understanding of the role of conflict in your story, you're well on your way to creating a tale that's as gripping as it is engaging. But remember, the key to effective storytelling lies not just in understanding these concepts, but in skillfully weaving them into your narrative.

If you're looking to improve your pacing and heighten tension in your writing, don't miss the workshop 'Documentary Treatment: The Last Act' by Reshelshah. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to make your storytelling more engaging and impactful.