Question

A story is told from a detective’s perspective. The detective is investigating an unsolved murder from decades ago. The murder happened in a library. Many detectives have tried to crack the case, but none have succeeded. During the investigation, the detective begins to have feelings for the librarian who handles her requests for old newspapers. Their romance blooms but is often interrupted by the demands of the case. Just as they seem to be close to solving the case, a fresh murder happens—and it appears to be related to the cold case. At first, the detective suspects the librarian. A series of discoveries proves the librarian innocent. Together, the detective and the librarian solve both cases and catch the criminal—a patron who is often at the library. How could the writer create dramatic irony to increase tension? (1 point) Responses by providing small clues about the killer’s identity that could allow the reader to discover it before the big reveal by providing small clues about the killer’s identity that could allow the reader to discover it before the big reveal by strongly implying that the librarian really is the killer after the case already appears to be solved by strongly implying that the librarian really is the killer after the case already appears to be solved by adding an additional subplot in which the librarian is trying to figure out which patron is stealing specific books by adding an additional subplot in which the librarian is trying to figure out which patron is stealing specific books by revealing the killer’s identity to readers right before the detective unknowingly enters a scene with the killer

Answer 1

To create dramatic irony and increase tension in this story, the writer could choose to reveal the killer’s identity to readers right before the detective unknowingly enters a scene with the killer. This method effectively builds suspense as readers become aware of the threat while the detective remains in the dark, heightening the stakes of the impending encounter.

By doing this, the audience is left anxious about the detective's safety and eager to see how the confrontation will unfold. As the story progresses, the tension can be amplified through various narrative techniques, such as showing the detective's investigative process and the developing relationship with the librarian, juxtaposed against the reader's knowledge of the lurking danger. This can create an emotional investment, as readers root for the detective to uncover the truth while fearing for her safety.

In contrast, suggesting that the librarian is the killer after it seems the case is resolved could lead to confusion and diminish the impact of the initial reveal. By focusing on the dramatic irony of the detective being unknowingly close to danger, the tension remains constant and engaging throughout the final act of the story.