What Causes Thrills?

20140714

What Causes Thrills? (Keys to Suspense)

ATTEMPTED ACTION WITH BIG STAKES and UNCERTAIN RESULTS

Being somewhere you’re not supposed to be and almost getting caught.
Having your home invaded and had things moved around
Stealing and getting away with it
Betting big and winning
In the presence of mortal danger and surviving
Catching someone in the act who’s dangerous
Spying on someone who’s dangerous
Talking about someone dangerous, mythical or powerful
Dangerous person escapes
Dangerous person gets caught and acts fine (mastermind)
Being mistaken for someone else and you have to run now
Cat & Mouse chases
Not knowing what’s been done to you (surgery, ritual, magic)
Not knowing who’s on your side, who’s betrayed you, who’s a plant
Whistleblowing – leading up to and the actual moment
Finding out you’re involved with much bigger forces than expected
Finding out you’re involved with something much more fucked up/disturbing
Having your lie called out
Having secrets revealed
Almost getting betrayed and than betrayed
Waiting for something, looking to act on it, but distracted by everyday life - mindless conversation.
People milling about on everyday activity when audience knows something bad is coming (dread)