What are Thrillers?

via GIPHY

Conventions in a thriller

• The anagonist ensnares the protagonist in an increasingly complex web, until the protagonist feels isolated and helpless.
• The narrative centers upon a crime - eg theft, murder, etc.
• The protagonist is fallible and has a weakness - an 'Achilles Heel' - that is exploited.
• The theme of identity is common - this can then fall into amnesia, doubles/doppelgangers, etc.
• Themes of seeing. reflection and mirroring - manipulation of perspective.
• A series of enigmas are set up - only to be solved at the end.
•  The audience is placed in the ambiguous position of 'voyeur'.
• Protagonist will be in peril/danger.
• The narrative presents extraordinary things in ordinary situations/settings.
• The micro elements are used to build suspense.

via GIPHY