Sentence Structure:
* Short, choppy sentences: This creates a sense of urgency and breathlessness.
* Example: "He ran. He stumbled. He had to get away."
* Incomplete sentences: This suggests the character is struggling to find the words, or their thoughts are racing.
* Example: "Where...where is she? Someone...someone help!"
* Repetitive phrases: This can amplify the character's fear or panic.
* Example: "No, no, no. It can't be happening. Not again."
* Interrogative sentences (questions): This emphasizes the character's confusion or desperation.
* Example: "What do I do? What am I going to do?"
Word Choice & Techniques:
* Use strong verbs that convey panic: "He scrambled, flung, dashed"
* Adjectives that highlight fear or unease: "His heart pounded, his hands trembled, the air felt thick and suffocating."
* Use sensory details to ground the reader in the character's experience: "The screams pierced the night, a smothering darkness closed in."
* Figurative language (metaphor, simile): "His mind was a whirlwind. He felt like a caged animal."
* Include exclamations and parentheticals: This adds emphasis and expresses the character's emotions directly.
* Example: "I can't believe this! (He was terrified.) What is going to happen now?"
Example:
> The phone rang. A sharp, insistent ring. He jumped, his heart thudding against his ribs. He fumbled for the receiver, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "Hello?" The voice on the other end was a chilling whisper. "He's gone. You're next."
Remember: The key to conveying a frantic or anxious tone is to use language that makes the reader *feel* the character's fear. Experiment with different combinations of these techniques to find the best approach for the specific text.