Tension is the invisible force that keeps readers glued to your pages. Without it, even the most beautifully written prose becomes boring. But many writers confuse conflict with action, thinking they need explosions and car chases to create tension. The truth is more subtle—and more powerful.
Understanding the Types of Conflict
All compelling stories contain conflict, but not all conflict is created equal:
1. Person vs. Person
The most obvious type—your protagonist against an antagonist. But remember:
2. Person vs. Self
Internal conflict often creates the most compelling tension:
3. Person vs. Society
Your character against systems, traditions, or cultural expectations:
4. Person vs. Nature/Fate
External forces beyond human control:
Building Tension: The Techniques
Start with Stakes
Readers need to care about the outcome. Ask yourself:
The stakes don't have to be life-or-death. They just have to matter to your character (and therefore to readers).
Use the "Yes, But" and "No, And" Technique
Every scene should end with either:
Example:
Create Obstacles with Purpose
Don't just throw random problems at your characters. Each obstacle should:
Sustaining Tension Throughout Your Novel
The Escalation Principle
Each conflict should be more challenging than the last:
1. Small obstacle: Character handles it relatively easily
2. Medium challenge: Requires real effort and sacrifice
3. Major crisis: Tests character to their limits
4. Final confrontation: Everything they've learned is put to the ultimate test
Micro-Tensions Within Scenes
Even quiet scenes need tension:
The Tension-Release Cycle
Constant high tension exhausts readers. Instead:
1. Build tension
2. Provide partial release (small victory or breathing room)
3. Build higher tension
4. Bigger release
5. Repeat with increasing intensity
Think of it like a roller coaster—moments of calm make the drops more thrilling.
Common Tension Killers
1. Easy Solutions
If problems are solved too quickly or easily, tension evaporates:
2. Unclear Stakes
If readers don't understand what's at risk, they won't feel tension:
3. Passive Protagonists
Characters who just react to events create weak tension:
Advanced Tension Techniques
False Relief
Give characters (and readers) what they think they want, then reveal it's not enough or creates new problems:
Multiple Pressure Points
Layer different types of conflict:
Inevitable Collision
Set up situations where characters are on collision courses:
The Emotional Core
Remember: Tension isn't about what happens—it's about how your characters feel about what happens.
A coffee shop conversation can be more tense than a sword fight if the emotional stakes are higher. Focus on:
Testing Your Tension
Read your scenes aloud. If you find yourself skimming or your attention wandering, readers will too. Ask:
Great tension makes readers think: "I'll just read one more chapter..." at 2 AM.
Your job is to create that compulsion. Master tension, and you master the art of unputdownable storytelling.