How can the readers point of view create suspense and humor?

Question

A reader might know things that the characters do not
A reader might have a preference for one particular character
A reader might have prior knowledge about certain historical context
A reader might know the ending of the story

Answer 1

before the characters do

For suspense, the reader's knowledge can create tension as they anticipate how the characters will react or how events will unfold. This can build suspense as the reader waits to see if the characters will discover what the reader already knows.

For humor, the reader's perspective can create comedic irony as they see characters making mistakes or misunderstanding situations. The reader's knowledge can also lead to humorous situations where the characters are clueless about something that the reader finds amusing.

Additionally, the reader's prior knowledge about historical context can add depth to the story and create moments of dramatic irony where the reader understands the significance of certain events or references that the characters may not.

Knowing the ending of the story can also create suspense as the reader wonders how the characters will reach that conclusion and what obstacles they will face along the way. It can also add a humorous element as the reader sees the characters' reactions to events that lead to the known ending.