The 7 Core Rules of Tension in Storytelling

Tension is the engine that drives emotional engagement in a story. Whether it’s suspense, unease, or emotional strain, tension makes an audience invested in what happens next. But to use it effectively, writers must understand not just the different types of tension, but the rules that govern how tension works. These 7 core rules ensure that tension is maximized for the greatest impact.

1. The Rule of Uncertainty (Keep the audience unsure of what happens next.)

Why It Works:

• If an outcome is predictable, tension disappears. The audience must always feel like something could go wrong or they don’t have all the answers.

• Works in all genres: In horror, we fear the unknown; in romance, we wonder if love will be reciprocated; in thrillers, we don’t know if the hero will survive.

How to Use It:

• Delay revealing key information.

• Introduce conflicting possibilities for what could happen next.

• Let the audience suspect something isn’t right without confirming it immediately.

2. The Rule of Escalation (Tension must keep rising; flat tension dies.)

Why It Works:

• If tension stays at the same level for too long, the audience adapts, and it stops being effective. Tension must either increase or shift.

• Stakes must gradually become higher, obstacles more difficult, and emotional strain heavier.

How to Use It:

• Start with small tensions and let them snowball.

• Use time pressure or unexpected complications to heighten stress.

• Introduce new elements of uncertainty just when things seem to be stabilizing.

3. The Rule of Reversal (Subvert expectations to prevent predictability.)

Why It Works:

• If the audience always gets what they expect, tension loses its power.

• A well-placed twist or reversal forces the audience to recalculate everything they assumed.

How to Use It:

• Subvert clichés and familiar storytelling patterns.

• Make characters act against expected behavior.

• Reveal that what seemed safe was actually dangerous, or vice versa.

4. The Rule of Multiplication (Stack multiple forms of tension for deeper impact.)

Why It Works:

• A single source of tension can feel one-dimensional, but layering multiple types creates depth.

• Example: A chase scene (kinetic tension) is more gripping if the hero also has to make an impossible moral choice (emotional tension).

How to Use It:

• Combine external threats (danger, enemies) with internal conflicts (guilt, indecision).

• Add time pressure to already stressful situations.

• Use interpersonal drama on top of a larger conflict.

5. The Rule of Silence (Quiet moments intensify tension more than noise.)

Why It Works:

• Tension thrives in the unknown, and silence forces the audience to imagine the worst.

• The absence of action can be more nerve-wracking than direct conflict.

How to Use It:

• Instead of showing violence, show the anticipation of violence.

• Use pauses in dialogue to create unease.

• Let silence stretch longer than comfortable before a reveal.

6. The Rule of Forced Participation (Make the audience feel trapped in the moment.)

Why It Works:

• The audience should feel like they are experiencing the tension, not just observing it.

• This makes tension more immersive and psychologically gripping.

How to Use It:

• Use first-person or tight third-person perspectives to lock the audience in the character’s experience.

• Limit the audience’s knowledge to what the character knows.

• Create situations where characters must make impossible choices, making the audience feel the weight of their decisions.

7. The Rule of Unresolved Tension (Not all tension needs to be resolved immediately.)

Why It Works:

• Sometimes, the lack of a resolution keeps the audience engaged longer.

• Leaving certain tensions unresolved can make the world feel more realistic and immersive.

How to Use It:

• Let some mysteries linger beyond their expected resolution.

• End some storylines on a note of uncertainty rather than tying everything up neatly.

• Create situations where characters must live with unanswered questions.

Final Thoughts

The best stories don’t just create tension—they control it, escalate it, and release it with precision. By applying these 7 core rules, you ensure that your tension remains dynamic, engaging, and emotionally gripping from beginning to end.

Mastering tension isn’t just about suspense—it’s about making your audience feel something deeply, keeping them on the edge of their seat, and ensuring every moment carries weight.