Definition - suspense/shock

Suspense

Suspense (in the context of a story being told) refers to the heightened state of uncertainty that the audience feels due to the story - sometimes referred to as 'being on the edge of the seat'. Suspense can be built up using a variety of ways such as the music and the speed of editing. A common scene where suspense is generated in thrillers is when the helpless victim is trying to escape from the dangerous attacker(s):

Shock

Shock (in the context of a story being told) refers to the feeling of surprise that the audience feel due to the discovery of something unexpected. Shock usually follows the discovery of an unexpected twist in the story - such as in Psycho, where the person we initially think to be the main character dies halfway through film.