It's a callout to the concept of "dramatic tension". See also all the talk of stories, movies, etc. https://fiveable.me/key-terms/introduction-creative-writing

It's a callout to the concept of "dramatic tension". See also all the talk of stories, movies, etc. https://fiveable.me/key-terms/introduction-creative-writing/dramatic-tension https://fiveable.me/key-terms/introduction-creative-writing/... is as good a source as any. To me, friction is more negative. It's always there and it only serves to slow things down (by definition!) Tension can be released, and in fact creates anticipation for the release.