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In our previous guide, we’ve answered three questions for the Survival Horror theme introduction. Today, let’s move on to the final two!
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4. How to set characters?
As we mentioned previously, characters should be designed based on plots. The personality, identity, background, and other characteristics of the characters should contribute to plot development.
For example, in the movie, Saw, Jigsaw (the MC) is a mysterious person who kidnaps people he believes take their lives for granted. The purpose of his traps is to see if the subjects will strive to survive, as he hopes his tests will teach them the value of life.
Then, the two trapped are a doctor who has an affair and a photographer who commits upskirting. Such a setting sounds reasonable, and their changes would be more exciting.
One more point: The characters must be depicted in line with the plot logic.
If the MC is an ordinary person, generally, he will be panic when facing a crisis;
If the MC is a genius or has a superpower, he usually would use his abilities to solve the problem.
Either way will come with tension following the plots unfold, as long as the logic makes sense.
5. How to create suspense?
Suspense is a valuable hook to keep readers staying in the story, which is normally generated by information asymmetry. The following are three typical situations where suspense is created.
1）The MC does not know, but the readers know.
Example: The MC needs to get something in a certain place, not knowing that his enemy has set a trap for him. But the readers know it in advance, so they are eager to see what will happen. Thus, suspense is created.
2）The readers do not know, but the MC knows.
Example: The MC challenges a person who is far stronger than himself. It seems the MC never stands a chance. Then the readers will doubt why the smart MC makes such a reckless decision and what makes him so confident. Here is the suspense.
3）Neither the readers nor the MC knows, and only the author knows.
Such a situation is expected to see in mystery novels that involve strange events, bizarre murders, etc. The ultimate goal of the MC comes with hooking secrets.
Example: The MC accidentally finds that an organization is planning a massacre. However, the police did not take his report seriously since he could not provide any strong evidence. So, the MC starts the investigation on his own to find out the conspiracy of this organization. The MC’s goal is set, and suspense is left to readers.
You can shift among the three methods to create suspense flexibly. Don’t let readers get bored with similar plot loops.
So, that’s all for today! We hope today’s guide can bring you more inspiration!
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If you have any questions, feel free to leave comments on Ringdom Writing Guide. We are looking forward to reading your suggestion and beautiful stories!
(By Alan & Chris)