Suspense is the sensation of uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the outcome of certain actions, often pertaining to an audience's perceptions in a dramatic work. While commonly associated with fiction, suspense extends beyond the realm of storytelling. It can manifest in any scenario leading up to a significant event or dramatic moment, with tension being a predominant emotion in the situation.
In the suspense framework outlined by film director Alfred Hitchcock, the audience experiences this feeling when anticipating a negative turn of events. They possess, or believe they have, a superior understanding of the drama's unfolding events, yet remain powerless to intervene and prevent the expected outcome. In a broader context, suspense arises when an individual is aware of their lack of knowledge about the unfolding of a crucial event, blending anticipation and uncertainty regarding the unknown future. In terms of narrative expectations, suspense contrasts with mystery, curiosity, and surprise.
