Thriller Conventions

The thriller genre, commonly seen in television, film and theatre is a tradion defined by many characteristics. Thrillers generally are fast paced, utilize suspense with frequent action and make use of narrative devices such as red herrings and cliffhangers. Regardless of subgenre, thrillers generally the same basic formula.
Characters are an important element in any Thriller, with traditional thriller protagonists and antagonists fitting a specific formula. The stereotypical thriller hero is generally a savvy and resourceful character who takes on a powerful and strong villain, in the form of an individual, organization or group. This hero is commonly a hardened law enforced, detectives, private eyes and police officers being the traditional mould of a protagonist, who are generally men, however women are becoming more and more commonly found as heroines in modern thrillers. Thrillers, particularly the tragedy and film noir subgenres often climax with the death of the hero as he or she defeats the antagonist. The villain is commonly wealthy and in a higher position of power and social standing than the hero, corrupt government officials and evil dictators being a common portrayal of the antagonist. These conventions can vary greatly depending on subgenre, the ‘antagonist’ takes the form of a bacterial disease in the film “
Thrillers also use specific techniques in the course of their narrative. Cliffhangers and red herrings are two popular traditions used in thrillers. A cliffhanger is the act of placing the protagonist in a precarious, or dangerous situation or dilemma before ending the scene or in some cases the film as a whole, this builds suspense as the audience is left on the edge of their seat wondering the fate of the character, it can be used to make the audience ponder how the situation will be resolved, or to set up for a sequel. A red herring is a plot device or character who draws suspicion diverting attention from the true guilty party, an example of this is seen in Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’ as the murdered wears womens’ clothing making his dead mother seem to be the cause of the deaths.

Norman Bates from Psycho (above) is a typical example of a of a thriller antagonist.


A Thriller it’s self is defined by the emotion it envokes to the viewer. It is defined as a piece of media that “thrills” the viewer, suspence and fearful excitement being two of main feelings the director seeks to make the audience experience.

By definition, if a thriller doesn't thrill, it's not doing its job.
—James Patterson, June 2006, "Introduction," Thriller