Shakespeare often gives the audience information that some characters do not have.
how does shakespeare increase the tension in the plot line of bottom and his friends by giving the audience information that one or more of the characters does not have?
the audience knows that robin is observing their rehearsal, but bottom and his friends do not. this knowledge builds tension because robin is angry at them for being in the woods and threatens to hurt them.
the audience knows titania, under the spell, is sleeping near where bottom and his friends rehearse. this knowledge builds tension because the audience wonders what will happen if they will accidentally wake titania up.
the audience knows that bottom has been freed from the spell, but his friends do not. this knowledge builds tension because the audience wonders if bottom will still want to talk to his friends after his amazing experience.
the audience knows bottom is under a spell, but his friends do not. this knowledge builds tension because his friends think bottom is a wizard and they decide to attack him.