“Are You Trying to Confuse Me?”
The Power of Misdirection in Suspense and Thrillers It’s the question every reader or viewer asks—half in frustration, half in delight—when they find themselves tangled in the twists of a suspenseful thriller. But here’s the secret: that confusion? It’s intentional. It’s carefully orchestrated misdirection, and it’s one of the most potent tools a storyteller can use to keep us glued to the page or screen. In today’s episode, we’ll explore how misdirection fuels suspense and thrillers, why it works so well, and how it transforms a good story into an unforgettable one. 1. What Is Misdirection in Storytelling? Misdirection is a narrative technique that leads the audience to believe one thing while the truth lies elsewhere. It’s not about lying to the audience—it’s about guiding their attention and assumptions in a specific direction, o...