Cliffhangers
A Literary Article
Every fiction story, regardless of its length, describes a problem to be overcome via rising and falling development. It makes no difference the genre, for in order to interest the reader, material must be portrayed in a manner that intrigues. Without those tidbits of mysterious unknown, the author cannot hope to sustain the tale. It is akin to the establishment of a lingering hook in the first paragraph. The reader always says, why should I read on if there is nothing here of substance for me to speculate about. The absence of giveaways is the key, for the more an author denies the audience, the more they will substitute their own imaginations for what is missing. This, of course, is predicated
upon the fact that the author has constructed a perfectly believable scenario that the reader can easily identify. And when the exposition finally does resolve the conflict with an explanation, readers can either exult in their guessing right or be amazed by their wrong assessment. This is one of the key elements to writing good fiction.
If the hook be thought crucial to literary ignition, how much more so the cliffhanger? Every great novel I have read incorporates at least one. The best mysteries tend to dole out multiples to thoroughly plant the mesmerized in a maze of tangled possibilities. Science fiction and fantasy are relatively easy mediums for dealing with unknowns because their premises are terra incognita. I don't think it's possible to write a horror story or murder scenario without the shock sequence of the unanticipated event. And the more
illogical the action, the greater the hanging, especially when the following explanatory narrative reveals some or all of the truth.
What, then, constitutes the technique? Of course, every case is different, but I can set up a hypothetical situation: Here are 15 useful suggestions, though they are not all that can be done by a long shot.
"Redhook knew that his enemy, Gaston, was hiding in the cellar, probably armed, and definitely crazy enough to act like a cornered rat. There was no way out, but Redhook was not about to define his shape in the glare of a flashlight."
Already the tension is building. The question is, what is the most effective way to pull that string taut without snapping it?
Direct Intervention Redhook reached into his back pocket for his night vision goggles to give himself the decisive advantage. Every light was turned off in the house. He carefully oiled the cellar door hinges to reduce any chance of his entrance being overheard. Wielding his knife, he silently crept to the handle and turned the knob.
Indirect Targeting Gaston was prepared for the worst. He reckoned his best chance was to hide beneath the staircase and trip his foe during descent. Then he would leap on Redhook's neck and choke the life out of him.
Misdirection Neither man was aware that Sheila, the cause of their enmity, was presently flying off to Florida with Charles after deploying a deadly gas canister at the bottom of the staircase. If either man stepped on it, both would die instantly.
Unobtrusive Observation Stanley, the next door neighbor, stared enthralled at the monitor that related what his secreted video camera was presenting him.
Relevant Flashback Redhook recalled that day when he discovered his best friend's betrayal, seeing them leave the motel together as he witnessed them sneaking furtively to their cars. His blood rose to the boiling point against them both.
Well Intentioned Dupe Mary, at Sheila's suggestion, did as she was bidden by her friend and called Redhook to let him know that Gaston was there, waiting for him.
Bumbling Fool Just as Redhook was about to open the cellar door, Sherman, the idiot ex-boyfriend, stumbled through the half open front door and shouted Sheila's name loud enough to warrant a complaint for disturbing the peace.
Innocent Bystander The UPS man was required to deliver the package to the front door, to at least knock and let people know that a delivery was being made. But when he got to Sheila's house, the door was already open. He peered inside, knocked, identified himself, and saw Redhook brandishing a knife.
Ironic Development Betty, after hiring the private detective and discovering that Charles was having an affair with Sheila, decided not to wait a moment longer. She raced to Sheila's house, slammed the car door, and burst inside for the confrontation.
Unintentional Humor Barry had never hit a home run before. He would never know the full ramifications of this one, for the ball carried over the fence, bounced off a passing truck, and broke the kitchen window of Sheila's house, simultaneously beaning Redhook into unconsciousness.
Just In Time Miscellany Incredibly, across the street, poor disabled Mrs. Houten's alarm system was wired to the Police, Fire Department and Emergency Rescue departments. At that very moment, having been triggered by her dropped and unreachable cigarette, the alarm was triggered. In seconds, Redhook heard enough sirens coming down the street that he thought Patton's Army
had arrived.
Unexplained Event Charles was not there at the airport. As she waited by the counter, Sheila heard her name being paged to go to the Luggage Counter. A large package was there. It looked like an old-fashioned hatbox. When she opened it, she noticed the aluminum foil surrounding a circular object. Parting the foils, Charles's head peered out and caused her to pass into
unconsciousness.
Friendly Help Alex understood Redhook's rage, for they had saved each other's lives countless times in Nam. He was determined to assist his friend from making a total fool of himself, for he knew Sheila's reputation. When he witnessed Redhook enter the house, he knew it was time for him to act.
Coincidence It couldn't have been planned any better, but the precise moment Redhook whipped out his knife with the intention of gutting Gaston, the Homecoming parade turned down that street and loudly passed Sheila's front door, with horn's blaring.
Tragic Confluence Redhook didn't have to murder Gaston. It was in the cards without his knowing. The young pilot had no idea what to do when the altimeter read zero. Suddenly, the plane nose-dived out of control. The last thing he saw were the neat rows of new shingles on Sheila's roof.
