  Smuts argues that in all suspenseful narratives and in all  suspenseful situations in real life we find factors that partially  frustrate one’s ability to satisfy a desire, factors that suspend  one’s efficacy. He argues that even when the stakes are high, if one  is actively working towards the realization of a desired outcome,  there can be no suspense. Smuts’ explanation of why fictions are  extremely effective at creating suspense and how suspense in response to fictions is possible when we know the outcome is this: In contrast with our engagement with real situations, where we can actively work  towards the satisfaction of a desire, in engaging with fictions we  are completely powerless. 