What effect does suspense have on readers?

The effect of suspense on readers is primarily to engage them and evoke a sense of anticipation. When suspense is effectively created, it encourages readers to become emotionally invested in the unfolding story, making them eager to find out what will happen next. This engagement heightens their interest, drawing them deeper into the narrative and maintaining their focus as they await the resolution of the tension.

Additionally, suspense often involves uncertainty about outcomes or the fates of characters, which can amplify emotional responses. This anticipation leads to a heightened state of interest or excitement, encouraging readers to turn pages and immerse themselves further in the story to discover the eventual payoff or conclusion.

While other options suggest negative effects, such as boredom or weakened emotions, these do not capture the essential role that suspense plays in enhancing the reading experience. Clarity of plot, as mentioned in another choice, may pertain more to straightforward narratives that do not rely on tension to engage the reader, distinguishing it from the dynamic effect of suspense.