Capote’s Use of Suspense

Capote’s use of suspense throughout “In Cold Blood” has proved to work well. He’s managed to connect his audience with the minds of his memorable characters leaving readers anticipating how the tale will unfold. The latest form of suspense that Capote brings forth appears with the arrival of a character named Floyd Wells in “The Answer” portion of the book. Floyd Wells knew of Dick and his plans to rob the Clutter family. He reports the information to the police and this is where the reader begins to wonder. As a reader of “In Cold Blood”, you have briefly been introduced to Floyd Wells but not knowing that he would be the one to confess. This information that Wells knows something contributing to the discovery of Dick and Perry is held from being known until the police learn of it. By doing this, Capote builds up the suspense in his audience. As a reader, you know that Dick and Perry are responsible for the Clutter’s deaths. You just continue to wonder when or whether or not they will be discovered. As a reader, you also tend to develop some sympathy on behalf of Dick and Perry. Even though you know that they are indeed the killers of the Clutter family, you enjoy their attempts to evade being caught and at times want them succeed in their get-away.