Tension

Something I've been working on for my next book:

A great way to add life to a dying scene is to create tension. Now tension is different from conflict as conflict is two characters wanting something different, tension is two characters NEEDING something different.

In conflict one character may want to go to the mall while another wants to go to the bookstore. Two opposing wants = conflict.

In tension one character's needs are not being met and that results in more conflict.

Tension is related to feelings, emotions, anxiety etc. It is usually not resolvable, though the character strives to find a way to resolve it:

A character may need:
To be loved
To be left alone
To find happiness
To gain knowledge

These needs in turn will provide opportunities for more conflict to occur and add a great deal of subtext to the dialogue.

While you look at what you charcters want, look for what they need as well. This 'need' tension may seem totally different and unrelated to the conflict at hand, yet once you tie them together the whole scene takes shape. You can then work those needs into the story line and add more depth to all your scenes.

Any thoughts?