Key Characteristics Of The Thriller Genre

The key characteristics of the thriller genre can be broken down into four categories: themes, characters, iconography and narrative. Below are some of the key characteristics in each of these sections of the thriller genre.

Themes:
Seduction, torture, uncertainty, expectation, suspense, intensity, anticipation, excitement, anxiety, threatened life, isolation, loneliness, entrapment, innocence, stalking, voyeurism, suicide, mysterious death, predetermined death, vulnerability, revenge, danger, relationships, chases, reflection, memories, treachery, corruption of innocence, deception, seedy underworlds, weaponry, consequences, political conspiracy, power, wealth, crime, adultery and sexuality are just a few.

Characters:
Lowlifes, psychopathic killer, sociopathic killer, private detective, victims, stalkers, criminals, murderers, assassins, confused men, protagonist, antagonist, terrorists, police, villains, mafia, fugitives, ex-cons, girlfriends/wives/family, unlikely hero, henchmen, mysterious helpers, red herrings, lawyers, informants, suspicious characters, children - good & bad, unknown bosses, corrupt police and spies are just a few.

Iconography:
Shafts of light, neon lights, low lit lamps, briefcases with money, derelict buildings, shadows, street lights, night shooting, sharp lighting contrasts, water, large houses, attics, cupboards, corridors, bridges, cellars, blood smears, colours - red & black, woodland, weapons, photos - polaroids, bars, blinds, confined spaces, camera - tilts & close ups & low angles, masks, binoculars, frame within frame, mirrors - reflection, whisky glasses, extreme camerawork, candles and running water are just a few.

Narrative:
Being watched, someone being followed, death - accidental, suicide, murder, suspenseful music, a mission, tense music, screams, corruption in police, double cross - secret phone call, red herring - false arrangement, money in briefcase - drug deal, hiring hitmen, being chased - sequence, gun point, kidnapping, discovery of body, arguement, discovery of murder weapon, police at crime scene, torture, forensic science, gunshots, smokey bar - gambling & drinking, sex scenes, fightscene, someone being captured, searching for clues and a trail to be followed are just a few.