Through the Writer's Lens: Rebecca
A masterclass in atmosphere, suspense, and unreliable narration with Daphne du Maurier
I just rewatched Rebecca, and it reminded me all over again why Daphne du Maurier’s novel is such a masterclass in suspense and atmosphere. The creeping dread, the psychological tension, that unforgettable narrator, it’s no wonder the book has captivated readers for generations.
If you’re a writer, Rebecca has so much to teach about crafting tension, unreliable narrators, and weaving an atmosphere so thick you can practically taste it. Here are my key takeaways and how you can use it to level up your writing ⤵️
Creating an Atmosphere that Becomes a Character
One of du Maurier’s greatest strengths is her ability to use setting as an integral part of the story. The mysterious mansion, Manderley, is not just a backdrop, but a character in its own right, and its mood shifts with the narrative.
From the very beginning, the unnamed narrator describes Manderley as a place that is both alluring and ominous:
Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.
This haunting opening sentence sets the tone for the entire novel. Manderley feels alive, almost as if it’s capable of shaping the events that unfold.
How to implement this into your own work ⤵️
Use your setting to reinforce the mood of your story. Let the environment echo the emotions and conflicts of your characters.
Writing Prompt ➔ Write a scene where the setting mirrors the internal struggle of your protagonist. Use the environment to reflect their state of mind, whether it’s a stormy night or a sunlit day.
Building Suspense Through the Unreliable Narrator
The narrator of Rebecca is an excellent example of how to use an unreliable point of view. She is both naïve and self-deprecating, which keeps readers on edge as they navigate her perceptions of events and characters.
The narrator’s jealousy and insecurities about Rebecca’s lingering presence in her life are evident throughout the novel, but because she’s telling the story, we only see Rebecca through her limited and distorted view.
How to implement this into your own work ⤵️
Consider the reliability of your narrator. A first-person unreliable narrator can be a powerful tool to create mystery and tension.
Writing Prompt ➔ Write a scene from the perspective of an unreliable narrator. Let them reveal things they might not fully understand or misinterpret, and watch how the reader is forced to question the truth.
The Unseen Villain – Rebecca’s Presence Without Her Physical Form
Although Rebecca is dead before the story begins, her shadow looms large over the entire narrative. Her presence is felt everywhere, from the second-hand accounts of her beauty to the mysterious letters and the lingering emotions of the characters.
When the narrator first visits the boathouse, she finds Rebecca’s things still in place, untouched, making it seem as if she’s only just gone away.
How to implement this into your own work ⤵️
Create tension by using a character’s absence or death to drive the plot. Let their legacy be felt without them being physically present.
Writing Prompt ➔ Think of a character who has passed away or is absent in your story. How can you make their influence felt in every scene they’re not in?
The Slow Reveal and the Unraveling Mystery
Du Maurier excels at revealing pieces of the puzzle slowly, keeping the reader hooked with each new discovery. By withholding key information until the right moment, she keeps readers on the edge of their seat.
The mystery of Rebecca’s death is carefully revealed, bit by bit, and it’s only in the final moments of the book that the truth is fully uncovered.
How to implement this into your own work ⤵️
Withhold information strategically. Give your readers just enough to keep them guessing, but not enough to solve the mystery too soon.
Writing Prompt ➔ Write a scene where a character discovers a small clue that raises more questions than answers. Let the reader feel the slow build of suspense as the mystery deepens.
The Power of Secrets and Tension Between Characters
Throughout Rebecca, du Maurier masterfully creates tension by exploring the unspoken between characters. The narrator's insecurities, Maxim’s guardedness, and the presence of Rebecca’s memory create a web of secrets and misunderstandings. The conflict arises, not from direct confrontations, but from what’s left unsaid or hidden.
One powerful moment is when the narrator feels completely overshadowed by Rebecca's presence, even though she is dead. Rebecca’s memory affects every interaction, and the narrator’s desire to know the truth intensifies the tension in her relationships with other characters, especially with Maxim.
How to implement this into your own work ⤵️
Secrets and hidden motives can create incredible tension. Instead of characters confronting each other head-on, let their conflict simmer beneath the surface through unspoken resentments, doubts, and fears.
Writing Prompt ➔ Write a scene where two characters are holding back from revealing something crucial. Let their internal conflict spill into the dialogue or actions, but don’t let them outright confess. Build the tension through what they choose to leave unsaid.
Rebecca isn’t just a great story, it’s a masterclass in atmosphere, suspense, and unreliable narration. Du Maurier knew exactly how to keep readers on edge, and there’s so much we can learn from her.
So next time you’re writing, think about how you can build that slow, creeping suspense or make your setting feel as vivid as Manderley. And if you haven’t read Rebecca in a while (or ever), take this as your sign to pick it up, you won’t regret it.
What did you take away from Rebecca? Let me know in the comments ⤵️
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Oh I LOVE this novel (and the 1940 movie is amazing, too).