time lock, ticking clock, deadline
[informing] the audience up front that the action must be completed by a specific time. (Truby, 2007, p. 216) It not only tells the audience where the story is going, but it can also put a character under time pressure, which intensifies the audience's emotional involvement. (Gulino, 2004, pp. 7-8) Functionally speaking, this is the impending danger that according to Aristotle is an essential element in bringing about fear. [However, this] fear also includes an element of hope. [For example:] tension is very high when we know that there are just a few seconds left before the [imminent] explosion and it is increased if we are also aware that someone is running towards the room hoping to be in time to get the people out. (Hiltunen, 2002, p. 58) Also see suspense, obstacle.