What are some scriptwriting techniques to create suspense and tension in a thriller?

1 Set up the stakes

One of the first things you need to do is establish the stakes for your protagonist and the antagonist. What do they want, and what are they willing to do to get it? What are the risks and consequences of their actions? The higher the stakes, the more invested your audience will be in the outcome. Make sure you show, not tell, the stakes through dialogue, action, and visuals.

2 Use twists and turns

A good thriller should have a plot that is full of surprises, twists, and turns. You want to keep your audience guessing and questioning what they know. You can do this by using misdirection, red herrings, foreshadowing, flashbacks, and reveals. Be careful not to overdo it, though, or you might lose credibility and coherence. Make sure your twists are logical, consistent, and motivated by the characters.

3 Build up the tension

Another key technique is to build up the tension throughout your script, using different methods and devices. You can use pacing, structure, conflict, suspense, mystery, and atmosphere to create a sense of dread, anxiety, and anticipation. You can also use contrast, irony, and humor to break the tension and add some relief. The tension should rise and fall in a curve, leading to a climax and a resolution.

4 Create compelling characters

Your characters are the heart of your thriller, and you need to make them compelling and believable. You want your audience to care about your protagonist, to empathize with their goals, emotions, and flaws. You also want your antagonist to be a worthy opponent, to challenge and threaten your protagonist, and to have a clear motivation and backstory. You can use characterization, dialogue, and subtext to reveal your characters' personalities, relationships, and arcs.

5 Write effective scenes

Each scene in your thriller should serve a purpose and advance the story. You need to write scenes that are engaging, dynamic, and relevant. You can use scene headings, sluglines, transitions, and descriptions to set the scene and establish the tone and mood. You can also use action, dialogue, and visuals to convey the information, emotion, and tension. You should avoid unnecessary exposition, clichés, and filler.

6 Edit and polish your script

The final technique is to edit and polish your script until it is ready to be read or produced. You need to check your script for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. You also need to review your script for clarity, consistency, logic, and flow. You should cut out any scenes, characters, or elements that are not essential or effective. You should also get feedback from others, such as peers, mentors, or professionals, and revise your script accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?