Ever wondered what the cheese and wine of writing is?
Emotion and tension would be the answer. You can have one without the other but let’s face it, they work far better together.
Emotion and tension are intrinsically linked in storytelling, with each often influencing the other. When emotional intensity is low, the level of tension within a narrative typically diminishes as well. Conversely, when emotions run high and are skillfully conveyed, tension is likely to escalate, enhancing the reader's engagement. Tension plays a critical role in sustaining interest, as it compels readers to remain invested in the outcome. In moments when the protagonist’s prospects appear bleak, the reader experiences concern for the character’s success. This concern fosters empathy and strengthens the emotional connection to the narrative, motivating readers to continue turning pages in a quest to discover the resolution.
So how do we achieve this?
Emotional investment is the key. To foster a strong emotional investment, it is essential to help readers form a close connection with the characters by effectively conveying their emotions and the reasons behind them. Maintaining emotional intensity at times may require enhancing certain elements to heighten the impact. This is where the strategic use of emotional amplifiers becomes invaluable.
Emotional amplification refers to a state that can impact a characters physical and mental condition, creating some level of emotional instability, the degree of which can vary. They can range from hunger to extreme pain.
Amplifiers raise the stakes in a scene by knocking characters out of their comfort zone and making things tougher. Since they can stir up emotions and make them volatile, characters are more prone to slip up and make mistakes. As their problems escalate, readers get drawn in even more, eagerly turning pages to see what happens next.
Although they don’t form the backbone of a storyline they do enhance it by generating additional hurdles or burdens piled on top of everything else, acting as challenges, conflicts, and emotional disruptors all at once. They can cause physical, emotional, and mental discomfort, making it harder for a character to think clearly and keep their emotions in check. When amplifiers throw them off balance or distract them, characters may become more reactive, drop their guard, and risk overlooking something crucial.
Emotional amplifiers, big or small, are perfect for nudging a character right off the cliff - and sometimes, that’s exactly what the story craves. Sure, flawless, wise characters who never slip up are fine, but hardly realistic. The real fun starts when a character demonstrates characteristics that the reader may find relatable, or at the very least entertaining. When they screw up, lose control, freak out, or blurt something wildly inappropriate. Now we’re talking!
Stirring up memories for the reader is an excellent connector and quite easy to do. At some point, everyone has felt that sudden rush of energy that pushes them to dive into a task or endured an emotional pain so strong that it manifests in physical discomfort. Everyone has experienced the fight or flight response, or done something so cringe worthy they wanted the earth to open up and swallow them whole (isn’t life fun!). It’s these kinds of universal experiences that create a connection of empathy between the reader and the character.
Think about your individual characters, especially those who fall beyond what we would consider the norm. For example, an emotionally challenged or deeply traumatized character who seems cut off from their emotions can come across to readers as if they feel nothing at all. Building a connection with them can be tricky, but introducing an amplifier can push them toward moments of volatility, sparking emotions that readers can recognize and connect with.
And why do these techniques work? Because human beings make decisions based on emotion, then find logical ways to rationalize and justify them. I absolutely know that I do not need four pairs of Uggs or another cozy sweater when I live in a state that experiences “winter” for less than ten days out of the year, but you’d better believe I have a long a varied list of justifiable reasons as to why a number of winterwear packages have been arriving on a daily basis over Thanksgiving Break.
So, when you’re reading over a scene you feel needs to hit a little harder, think of your biggest Murphys law moment, summon your inner villain and contemplate how you can make a bad situation just that little bit worse for your character.
Welcome to the dark side folks, it’s a fun ride for sure.