Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction

Synopsis

Named by The Times as the all-time number one crime writer, Patricia Highsmith was an author who broke new ground and defied genre clichés with novels such as The Talented Mr Ripley and Strangers on a Train.
In the classic creative writing guide Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction, Highsmith reveals her secrets for producing world-class crime and thrillers, from imaginative tips for generating ideas to useful ways of turning them into stunning stories.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Essence of Suspense

* Definition: Suspense is a state of heightened anxiety or uncertainty, created by withholding information or creating situations of potential danger.
* Real Example: In Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," the killer's identity is kept secret throughout the film, building suspense with every scene.

Chapter 2: The Building Blocks of Suspense

* Psychological Conflict: Suspense arises from the protagonist's internal struggles with fear, doubt, or moral dilemmas.
* Physical Conflict: Danger or violence that threatens the protagonist's physical well-being.
* Environmental Conflict: Hostile or unpredictable settings that heighten the protagonist's sense of vulnerability.
* Real Example: In Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," the isolated island setting intensifies the suspense as each character becomes a potential victim.

Chapter 3: Creating a Suspenseful Plot

* Pace: Suspenseful plots move quickly, with escalating tension and climaxes that leave the reader on edge.
* Red Herrings: False clues or misleading information that keeps the reader guessing the true culprit.
* Twists and Turns: Unpredictable events that shock the reader and alter the course of the plot.
* Real Example: In Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl," the twist reveal at the conclusion of the first part leaves the reader reeling and desperate to know what happens next.

Chapter 4: Characters in Suspense Fiction

* Protagonist: The main character who faces the suspenseful challenges.
* Antagonist: The villain or force that threatens the protagonist's well-being.
* Supporting Characters: Allies or obstacles who influence the protagonist's journey.
* Real Example: In Stephen King's "Carrie," the protagonist, Carrie White, is a bullied outcast who becomes a formidable force when she discovers her telekinetic powers.

Chapter 5: Setting and Atmosphere

* Setting: The physical backdrop of the story, which can contribute to the sense of suspense.
* Atmosphere: The emotional mood or tone created by the setting, characters, and events.
* Real Example: In Mary Higgins Clark's "Where Are the Children?," the remote and secluded farmhouse setting creates a chilling atmosphere that amplifies the suspense of the missing children.

Chapter 6: Dialogue and Description

* Dialogue: Reveals character motivations and creates tension through emotional confrontations.
* Description: Paints a vivid picture of the setting, characters, and action, enhancing the reader's sense of immersion.
* Real Example: In Dennis Lehane's "Mystic River," the gritty and evocative descriptions of Boston's working-class neighborhoods create a realistic backdrop for the suspenseful events.

Chapter 7: The Climax and Resolution

* Climax: The peak of the suspense, where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge.
* Resolution: The outcome of the suspense, whether the protagonist triumphs or falls.
* Real Example: In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart," the climax occurs when the narrator confronts his guilt over the murder he committed, resulting in a chilling and suspenseful resolution.