The word 'suspense' has been around for centuries, but it wasn't until the late 19th century that it began to be used in a narrative context. It was during this time that film producers began to recognize the potential of suspense as a tool to drive commercial success. By creating tension and anticipation, they could draw audiences back to the cinema. The use of suspense as a narrative device was soon adopted by serial novelists, and later transferred to serial cinema.
This form of suspense was also used in newspapers to promote entertainment such as plays and circus acts. It was a way of creating drama and tension, and enticing people to come and watch the show. In the 20th century, film scholars began to define suspense as a distinct genre. This genre is characterized by a combination of hope and fear, which is often used to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
It is also used in other forms of media, such as editorial satire, where it can be used to create an animated thriller. Today, suspense is still an important part of storytelling, and is used in many different genres. It is a powerful tool for creating tension and anticipation, and can be used to great effect in both film and literature.
