1. Misdirection: The author carefully misleads the reader throughout the story, providing clues and information that seem to point towards a different ending. For example, the reader is led to believe that the protagonist, Jack, is being haunted by a ghost or some supernatural entity. This misdirection makes the actual surprise ending, which reveals the true nature of the events, all the more surprising.
2. Foreshadowing: While misdirecting the reader's attention, the author also uses subtle foreshadowing to hint at the surprise ending. These hints are often so carefully woven into the story that they may not be immediately noticeable, but they become clearer and more significant in retrospect after the ending is revealed.
3. Pacing and Suspense: The author controls the pacing of the story to build suspense and create a sense of urgency. The story's events unfold quickly towards the end, leaving little time for the reader to fully consider or predict the upcoming twist. This fast pace adds to the surprise and impact of the ending.
4. Character Development: The author develops the characters in such a way that their actions and behaviors contribute to the surprise ending. For example, the protagonist's seemingly irrational fear of spiders plays a crucial role in the final reveal.
5. Imagery and Symbolism: The author uses vivid imagery and symbolism to create an eerie atmosphere and a sense of mystery. These elements further distract the reader from the actual explanation and make the surprise ending more unexpected.
By skillfully combining these techniques, the author of "Story Boarded Window" creates a story that keeps the reader engaged, surprises them with an unexpected twist, and leaves them with a lasting impression.