Have you ever felt confused while reading a story? Feeling confused about the plot that is being narrated? That could be due to the improper use of tenses in the story writing.
So what are tenses and why are they important? Tenses are a description of time that describes an event or action that happened, so it can be understood clearly and correctly. In other words, tenses are a form of time. The tenses are generally divided into three: present, past, and future.
Present tense: used to describe events that are happening now.
Past tense: used to describe events in the past.
Future tense: used to describe events that will happen in the future.
There are lots of types of tenses, so we should not use them in a wrong place because it is one of the main parts of a story writing. It plays a significant part in guiding the plot and develops the reader's knowledge to enhance the character's path in the narrative. Do you want to know the important role of tenses in story development? Then make sure to read this article carefully, as it will give you a better understanding of the role of tenses in story development and their importance in creating compelling stories.
The role of tenses in the timing of story events
The foremost importance of the tenses in a story is to make an indisputable announcement to the reader about the time of the story. Is this a story about something that has happened, something that is happening, or something that will happen in the future. The readers would understand what they were reading without having to wonder when what event was taking place.
The role of tenses on the atmosphere in the story
The atmosphere within the story can moreover be impacted by the tenses we select. For example, choosing the present tense in the story can provide a more tense atmosphere. The choice of present tense in the story can make the readers feel as if they are experiencing the events that are happening when reading it. The choice of past tense in the story will usually make readers feel a nostalgic atmosphere and dissolve in reminiscing about what has happened in the past. While the future tense in the story will make readers fantasize and curious about the future to come.
Tenses can lead to a plot twist