Elements of style: the art of tone in fiction

When readers dive into a novel, they’re not just seeking plot twists or compelling characters (though those are important!). They’re also looking for a connection—an emotional resonance that draws them into the world you’ve created. One of the most powerful tools for achieving this level of engagement is tone.

Tone—the emotional coloring or attitude conveyed through your writing—shapes how readers perceive your story. It’s a subtle yet potent force that can turn an ordinary narrative into an unforgettable experience. But how can fiction writers effectively wield tone to enhance their storytelling?

Understanding Tone in Fiction

Tone is the lens through which readers experience your story. It reflects the author’s attitude toward what they are writing about. Whether playful, somber, ironic, or suspenseful, tone influences the emotional undercurrent of the narrative.

For instance, consider the opening lines of three well-known fantasy books:

"The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed."

The Gunslinger, Stephen King

Two nameless, faceless characters, one fleeing and the other following, one in black (perhaps to stay hidden) and the other in possession of means of violence, move across a stark and desolate space. The tone is ominous and suspenseful, perhaps causing the reader to wonder who these characters are, what they are doing, and why they are in such a hostile setting.

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort."

The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien

In complete contrast to King's opening, Tolkien strikes a more friendly, open, and conversational tone. Readers don't yet know who hobbits are, but Tolkien uses the description of the hobbit hole to reassure them that hobbits must be something nice. By the end of this introduction, the reader may want to cozy up in a hobbit hole themselves—they're already that comfortable.

"The wheel of time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again."

The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time Series), Robert Jordan

Finally, Robert Jordan goes for another tone altogether in his opening. His description paints broad brushstrokes, like those of a grand painting in a museum, evoking a sense of timelessness and mythos. We could be reading a mythology or a biblical-style text. Talk of legends and ages coming and going establish the grandeur of Jordan's world.

Elements That Shape Tone

So what are the component parts of tone? Several elements of creative writing work together to establish tone:

1. Word Choice (Diction): The words you choose carry inherent emotional weight. For instance, "gloom" conveys a darker mood than "shadow," even though they can describe similar phenomena. "Shadow," in fact, may be more eerie, depending on the context.

2. Sentence Structure (Syntax): Short, choppy sentences often create urgency or tension, while long, flowing sentences can feel lyrical, reflective, or grand.

3. Imagery and Description: Sensory details paint vivid pictures that evoke specific emotions. A description of rain as "silver threads stitching the earth" evokes a different tone (perhaps calm, peaceful) than "relentless sheets drumming against the windows" (melancholic, or even suspenseful)

4. Dialogue: The way characters speak—their cadence, vocabulary, and emotional inflections—reveals not only their personality but also sets the tone of their interactions with other characters.

5. Pacing: A fast-paced narrative often feels intense or thrilling, while a slower pace allows for contemplation, intimacy, or melancholy. Usually you need a mix of both.

   
   

Tips for Crafting Tone

1. Match Tone to Theme: Ensure your tone aligns with the story’s overall message. A tragic tale of loss calls for a tone that respects the gravity of the subject, while a whimsical adventure might embrace humor and lightheartedness.

2. Be Consistent: While shifts in tone can add depth and variety, abrupt changes, or a tone that is out of place for the genre expectations, can jar readers. Transitions should feel deliberate and natural.

3. Use Subtext: Sometimes, tone is as much about what’s unsaid as what’s stated. Imply emotions through context, leaving room for readers to draw their own conclusions.

4. Experiment with Voice: A distinctive narrative voice can strongly influence tone. First-person narration often feels intimate and immediate, while third-person can range from detached to deeply immersive.

5. Get Feedback: Tone can be tricky to gauge from the writer’s perspective. Beta readers, critique partners, or editors can offer valuable insights into how your tone resonates with an audience.

   
   

The Impact of Tone

Tone isn’t just an accessory to storytelling—it’s a foundational element. It dictates how your readers feel about the characters, the world, and the journey you’ve invited them to embark on. When wielded skillfully, tone can elevate your fiction from compelling to unforgettable.

So, next time you sit down to write, ask yourself: What do I want my readers to feel? Then, let tone guide you in crafting an experience they’ll carry with them long after they’ve turned the final page.