Suspense and Tension in Storytelling

Brandon McNulty explains the difference between suspense and tension in storytelling. Suspense involves waiting for answers to big picture questions, while tension is an immediate feeling of discomfort. He emphasizes the importance of using both elements to keep audiences engaged. The video uses Indiana Jones as a case study to illustrate these concepts, highlighting how suspense and tension are effectively employed in the film. McNulty encourages writers to creatively incorporate these elements into their stories.

What is the primary difference between suspense and tension?

• Suspense is about conflict, tension is about resolution.

• Suspense involves waiting, tension is immediate.

• Suspense and tension are the same.

• Suspense is immediate, tension is prolonged.

What is a common mistake people make about suspense and tension?

• They think they are the same.

• They believe suspense is always negative.

• They think tension is unnecessary.

• They assume tension is only for action scenes.

What is the primary difference between suspense and tension?

• Suspense is about conflict, tension is about resolution.

• Suspense is immediate, tension is prolonged.

• Suspense and tension are the same.

• Suspense involves waiting, tension is immediate.

Which of the following is an example of a big picture question in a story?

• Will the character finish their homework?

• Will the sidekick get a new job?

• Will the hero defeat the villain?

• Will the protagonist find their lost keys?

What role does suspense play in storytelling?

• It raises questions and withholds answers.

• It provides immediate answers.

• It resolves conflicts quickly.

• It creates humor.

What is the effect of suspense on the audience?

• It makes them laugh.

• It confuses them.

• It keeps them wondering and invested.

• It makes them lose interest.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of suspense?

• It keeps the audience invested.

• It involves waiting for an answer.

• It is resolved immediately.

• It raises questions.

What is a key characteristic of suspense?

• It is always resolved quickly.

• It involves waiting for an answer.

• It is only used in horror stories.

• It is always humorous.

Which of the following is an example of a big picture question in a story?

• Will the protagonist find their lost keys?

• Will the sidekick get a new job?

• Will the hero defeat the villain?

• Will the character finish their homework?

Why is it important to include smaller sources of suspense throughout a story?

• To confuse the audience.

• To keep the audience waiting for the main question.

• To maintain audience engagement and provide payoffs.

• To make the story longer.