Sexual tension is a common plot device in fiction and real life, causing awkward conversations and physical sensations. It can also lead to hostility or great relationships. In fiction, it builds slowly before being resolved, while in episodic television, it can create new directions for the series.
Sexual tension is a situation that can arise between two or more people when they feel attracted to each other, but are unable or unwilling to act on that attraction. In film, fiction, and television, it is a very commonly used plot device; you can probably think of some examples of famous people who are attracted to each other but unable to act on it, such as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice. In addition to occurring in fictional settings, of course, sexual tension also occurs in real life.
This situation can have different effects on different people, depending on the type of attraction they feel and their own emotions and behavior patterns. Often, sexual tension manifests itself in the form of awkward conversations filled with loaded questions and layers of meaning. Some people also experience physical sensations, such as a feeling that sparks are flying between them and the object of interest, or heightened physical awareness of the other person. Thoughts can often turn to the object of interest as well, sometimes causing embarrassment or confusion.
Sometimes, people can become very hostile when they experience sexual attention and struggle with their sense of attraction. The classic story about young children being mean to one another to spread their mutual interest is also true for adults, and such conflicting relationships often make for great fiction, film, or television. In Much Ado About Nothing, for example, Beatrice and Benedict constantly trade quips before eventually tying the knot.
In fiction, sexual tension can be a great plot device. As tension slowly builds between the characters, audiences can’t help but get drawn in, comparing the slowly growing relationship to their own life experiences. Many writers and directors are quite adept at drawing tension out, allowing the plot to come to a boil before finally releasing the tension and marking the end of the story.
Episodic television also relies heavily on sexual tension, and sometimes the resolution of the tension marks the end of the series, as viewers find it less appealing when they see a happy relationship between the characters. In other series, the resolution of the tension creates a new direction for the series and the story, but the writers manage to keep the story interesting by creating a new dynamic between the characters. Soap operas in particular are notorious for drawing out sexual tension and creating tangled webs of sexual relationships and attraction.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
