How does Camus create an environment of suspense and fear in the story?

This is an interesting question. There is always the threat of violence but no actual violence in the story. This heightens the tension much more than if Camus included violent scenes. The threat of revolt, the gun Balducci gives Daru, and the Arab prisoner all add to the suspense of the situation which could turn explosive if pushed too far. There is however no violence but merely the sense of isolation and lost identity.