What does suspense refer to?

Suspense refers to a state of nervousness or excitement about the future, often experienced by the audience as they anticipate the outcome of events in a narrative. This feeling is typically created through tension, uncertainty, and the buildup of emotional stakes in a story, engaging readers and allowing them to become invested in the characters' fates. Authors often utilize techniques such as foreshadowing, limited information, or unexpected twists to heighten this sense of suspense, drawing the audience into the unfolding drama.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of suspense. A feeling of boredom suggests a lack of engagement or interest, which is the opposite of the excitement that suspense generates. An absence of conflict implies that there is no tension to create anticipation, further failing to reflect the nature of suspense. Finally, a sense of complete certainty contradicts the core of suspense, as it thrives on uncertainty and the unknown outcomes that keep readers on the edge of their seats.