Jännitemain

Jännitemain is a term used in Finnish-language discussions of narrative and game design to describe a technique where the main narrative arc or the primary character is framed to maximize suspense and emotional engagement. The term is informal and not part of established literary theory. It combines jännite ("tension") with the English loanword main, reflecting cross-linguistic influence in online discourse, especially in gaming and media communities.

In practice, jännitemain refers to structuring the central plot or the protagonist's choices to sustain suspense, often through delayed revelations, high-stakes decisions, or a persistent threat to the main character's goals. It can be discussed in relation to pacing, narrative focus, and the balance between central and peripheral plots. Some discussions contrast jännitemain with ensemble approaches that distribute attention across multiple characters or subplots.

Examples of usage are primarily in online reviews and fan discussions of TV series, novels, and video games, where participants label a work as employing a jännitemain strategy when the main arc remains the primary driver of tension throughout.

See also: cliffhanger, suspense, pacing, focalization. Note: As a niche, informal term, its precise meaning may vary among communities and is not standardized.