Structure and Mystery, Tension, and Suspense

Question 1

Which of the following is a direct effect of using flashbacks in a story?

Accepted Answer

It reveals past events that add depth or suspense

Question 2

What's most likely purpose of writing a story using a circular structure and ending it with a scene like the opener?

Accepted Answer

To emphasize the changes a character has undergone

Question 3

Which of the following is a structural technique authors use to create surprise in a story?

Accepted Answer

Revealing key information through a sudden flashback

Question 4

Why might an author use a non-linear structure?

Accepted Answer

To build tension or mystery

Question 5

What effect does presenting several short scenes from different time periods out of order have on the reader?

Accepted Answer

It builds suspense by withholding key information

Question 6

What structural technique begins with the outcome of a major event then shifts back in time to explain how it happened?

Accepted Answer

Flashback; it builds suspense as readers discover how the outcome occurred

Question 7

What is the effect of the author delaying revealing a character’s true motivation until the final chapter?

Accepted Answer

It adds tension and encourages the reader to keep reading

Question 8

How does the author's structure in the excerpt below contribute to the tone of mystery?

Accepted Answer

By describing the climax and then revealing earlier events

Question 9

What is one effect of an author starting a story in medias res (in the middle of the action)?

Accepted Answer

It immediately creates a sense of suspense or tension

Question 10

A story that ends with an unexpected twist most likely uses which of the following techniques?

Accepted Answer

Surprise ending

Questions 10