In modern literature, suspense and tension are almost essential in producing works that are both successful and interesting to the reader. These two aspects of literature are especially important in Truman Capote's novel, In Cold Blood, which outlines the story of how a simple robbery attempt ends in the deaths of four respected and affable family members. Although the reader is aware of the story's various outcomes in advance, Capote effectively maintains interest through suspense and tension. Capote in particular generates this suspense and tension by moving between simultaneous events, waiting to reveal the details of the murder, and suggesting errors in the American justice system. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Suspense proves to be an essential aspect of this novel, particularly in how a new plot mechanism is revealed. For example, one way Capote introduces suspense is through short segments within each chapter. He constantly switches back and forth between Dick and Perry and the Holcomb people, leaving the reader eager to find out what happens on both perspectives of the story. More importantly, he concludes many segments with surprising and suspenseful actions and thoughts. For example, when Nancy expresses her suspicions about the smell of cigarette smoke, Capote astutely concludes with this thought: "Before she could ask if this was really what Nancy meant, Nancy interrupted: 'I'm sorry, Susie. I have to go . Mrs. Katz is here'" (22). This ending leaves the reader wondering whether Mr. Clutter, who possesses a strong aversion to such matters, would actually partake in smoking. This suspicious, sudden change in the family's daily habits allows Capote to create an atmosphere of suspense in the reader's mind because these details seem to foreshadow the murder. Furthermore, Capote amps up the suspense by ending the section on this note, leaving the reader at a high point. Furthermore, when Capote returns to the assassins, he describes their preparations in a casual manner. The tension then increases as the reader becomes enraged by the killers' lack of morals and the Clutter family's total unawareness of the impending events. The constant change serves another purpose as well, bringing the reader into the actual story while trying to keep up with simultaneous events as they occur. Furthermore, Capote presents many of the events that occurred through the testimonies of various citizens, which gives greater credibility to the story. In addition to timely changes in the novel, Capote generates suspense by waiting to reveal various details of the story, especially of the actual murders. Capote chooses to stop describing the "score" just as the killers approach the house: "Dick turned off the headlights, slowed down, and stopped until his eyes adjusted to the moonlit night. Shortly thereafter, the car moved forward slowly" (57). After this passage Capote moves directly to the discovery of the dead victims. Capote uses this very effective tactic of skipping ahead to create suspense. It surprises the reader and leaves him with the desire to continue to bring to light the facts and details of that horrible night. In addition to creating suspense, this method once again places the reader in the eyes of the confused citizens of Holcomb, as they are equally unaware of the details surrounding the murders. Likewise, Capote does not explicitly introduce the murder plot: “Still no sign of Dick. But he would surely come;.