Tension

Narrative Tension

Narrative Tension

in Visual Storytelling

Visual Hierarchy

Narrative Tension

ranking

the tension in story that "pulls" the reader or maintains interest

physical position

character

desire

conflict

conflicting element

- secondary

- physically between character and desire

(os that character must move through it to get what they want)

Tension

a pulling force

one force pulling on another

Creating Narrative Tension

the character wants something (love, power, a drink of water)

Examples:

• the prince wants to rescue the princess in the tower
• the girl wants to tame the horse
• the princess wants self acceptance

Desire

Conflict

the thing preventing the character from getting what they want

Examples:

• the dragon keeping the prince from the tower
• the willful nature of the horse that the girl wants to tame