On Fiction University:

Should you clue readers in or keep them guessing?

It’s one of those sneaky little questions that pops up mid-draft, usually right when you’ve got a big moment brewing. You’re plotting a reveal, or writing a high-stakes scene, and BAM!—you’re second-guessing yourself. Should readers know what’s coming, or should they be as shocked as the protagonist? Will a slow-building dread serve you better, or is it time for a jaw-dropping twist?

It’s time to choose between dramatic irony and surprise.

Both are powerful narrative tools that, when used well, can hook your reader, raise your tension, and add a satisfying emotional punch. But used poorly? You risk confusing your audience, frustrating their expectations, or even undercutting your story’s payoff.

Let’s break down how each technique works, when to use them, and how to make the right choice for your story’s needs.