Final answer:
The literary term that describes something an author uses to create suspense is dramatic irony.
Step-by-step explanation:
The literary term that describes something an author uses to create suspense is dramatic irony. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader knows something that the characters do not, creating tension and anticipation.
For example, in William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, the audience is aware that Juliet is not really dead, but Romeo is not. This knowledge creates suspense as Romeo rushes to Juliet's tomb.
Other literary terms, such as symbolism and figurative language, can also add depth and meaning to a text, but they might not specifically create suspense.
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