Cliffhangers, Why Writers Use Them!

Cliffhanger definition
"A cliffhanger is a plot device that is used to keep the audience intrigued and anxious to find out what happens next. Essentially, the cliffhanger puts the protagonist or the lead character in a precarious situation and leaves them in that situation, which creates enough suspense to compel the reader to read the next chapter or book to see how the story unfolds."

           Cliffhangers, I'm sure you've all heard about them, and have experienced them.  If you watch television you see cliffhangers all the time.  Take you favorite shows .  At the end of each season you see them.  The writer leaves you hanging just when the action gets good, and you become so drawn into to the story line that you can't wait to see what's next.  Awe! but you'll have to wait until the next season starts, which could be on a month of two.  That's a cliffhanger, and exactly what the writers and producers want to do, keep you watching the show no matter now long it takes to get all the answers you want. They know you'll be back, because you have to know!  I remember watching "Batman" on television.  There were always cliffhangers at the end of each show.  They were tied up, ready to be boiled in oil, the clock was ticking, one minute to go, then suddenly the words appear..."To be continued"...My students couldn't wait to know if  Batman & Robin lived or died.  Cliffhangers are purposely put there to make you come back, or continue reading, or watching the story, until you get to the end.  It's the excitement that fuels the watchers/ or readers mind while waiting for the climax, when it's all resolved, one way or another.  It's good to have cliffhangers at each chapters end, so that your reader wants to keep on to the next chapter to see if it gets resolved there.  Cliffhangers can be many things.  Like unexpected news.  In my newest novel "More precious Than Gold" divorce papers arrive out of the blue, just when she thought, she and her husband had reconciled.  Or potentiate danger for someone your character loves.  Perhaps a reoccurring dream that begins to come true, What should she do?   such cliffhangers are page turners for your reader.  They want to know what's going to happen next, and you want to keep them guessing, and reading at the same time, until the end.  Cliffhangers are a useful literary device, and you should learn how to use them to you advantage.