Plot Elements in The Most Dangerous Game
Learning Objective
I can identify elements of plot in "The Most Dangerous Game."
Key Concepts
According to H.P. Lovecraft, the strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown, which writers can harness by leaving the audience in anticipation, or suspense.
To build suspense, writers can limit the point of view, choose the right setting and imagery, and play with style and form.
Two techniques for creating suspense are dramatic irony, where the audience knows something the characters don't, and the cliffhanger, which cuts off right before a crucial revelation.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 3 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. Which element is NOT typically used to build suspense, according to the video?
2. Explain how the use of setting and imagery can contribute to the suspense in a story.
3. Describe a scenario that uses dramatic irony to create suspense. Explain what the audience knows that the character does not, and how this builds suspense.
Educational Video
How to make your writing suspenseful - Victoria Smith
TED-Ed