Dramatic tension
The sense of suspense, conflict, or uncertainty that drives audience or reader engagement. Dramatic tension arises from conflicting desires, unclear outcomes, or escalating stakes. It is fundamental to both drama and narrative fiction.
Real World
In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, tension escalates as John Proctor must choose between confessing to a lie to save his life or dying to preserve his integrity, with the entire community watching his decision.
Exam Focus
Name the specific source of tension — conflict, mystery, or stakes — and link it to audience response for precise AO2 analysis.
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