Tension-resolution pairs

Disciplines > Storytelling > Storytelling articles > Tension-resolution pairs

The fundamental pattern of all stories is tension and resolution. A wrong is done, creating tension, then the wrong is righted, creating the relief and closure of resolution. The stimulation of emotion that this creates leads to a sense of pleasure in the reader or observer.

Tension and resolution thus largely appears in matching pairs. However, few if any stories have a single pair, although many have a major pair with other pairs being used to keep the excitement going throughout the story.

Here is a big list of tension-resolution pairs that cover many story patterns.

• Inadequacy - Transformation

• Revelation - Transformation

• Corruption - Redemption

• Threat - Averted

• Attack - Defeat

• Attack - Victory

• Loss - Search

• Search - Discovery

• Discovery - Exploitation

• Discovery - Loss

• Need - Gain

• Need - Relief

• Need - Seek

• Threat - Salvation

• Threat - Defense

• Capture - Rescue

• Capture - Escape

• Chase - Capture

• Chase - Escape

• Conquest - Revolt

• Attack - Defend

• Attack - Repulse

• Defend - Victory

• Defend - Defeat

• Ignorance - Illumination

• Illumination - Seeking

• Trust - Betrayal

• Betrayal - Retribution

• Betrayal - Restoration

• Dislike - Like

• Destruction - Restoration

• Death - Rebirth

• Seek - Find

• Unrealized - Realized

• Wrong - Righted

• Suppression - Rebellion

• Shame - Redemption

Tension-resolution pairs in a story can be written in a notation system that uses an indentation system taken from the field of computer programming. This uses a few simple rules:

1. Each tension and resolution goes on a new line.

2. When a new tension arises before a previous tension is resolved, it is indented by four more spaces

3. The resolution that closes a tension sits vertically beneath it, at the same indent level.

See also

Tension principle, Closure principle