| abstract | - A Bound and Gagged prisoner is suspended by (usually) a rope from the ceiling This is not intended for torturing the prisoner, but in reality, this could cause undue pressure on the body, and bad blood flow. Perhaps even dislocate something -- there's a reason why BDSM models engaging in suspension art tend towards the light-weight and extremely flexible end. In fiction, the prisoner does not appear to suffer any particular physical discomfort. (If the viewer thinks too much about this, it results in Disbelief of Unwilling Suspension). Hanging by the wrists, a common variation, would in Real Life quickly cause permanent damage to the hands and within a few hours cause death by suffocation/"Suspension Trauma", not quite unlike a crucifixion. Many a Tailor-Made Prison has a prior inhabitant hanging by his wrists in skeletal form. Reasons for doing this include:
* It provides for more effective immobilization of the prisoner. Tie somebody to a chair and they will be able to maneuver the chair toward a Conveniently Placed Sharp Thing nine times out of ten. Hang them from the ceiling and they have nothing to get traction against. Also, enough rope to hold someone's weight will also be enough rope that it's hard to get out of, especially if the Real Life consequences kick in.
* The victim can be suspended above a chasm, piranha pond, or other Death Trap, as a disincentive from struggling loose.
* Because the Rule of Cool says so.
* Author Appeal, along with Fetish Fuel.
* In rare cases, the villain will actually be doing this to deliberately hurt the prisoner. Favorite victims seem to be The Hero(es) or the Distressed Damsel (especially a princess and The President's Daughter). Not to be confused with being suspended from the police force. Examples of Unwilling Suspension include:
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