Thriller themes


The themes of thrillers frequently include:

• Terroism
• Politics
• Conspiracy
• Pursuit
• Romantic triangles or dysfunctional relationships that lead to murder

Conventions of the thriller genre


The thriller genre contains a number of typical conventions including:

• Mystery
• Suspense
• Tension
• Plot twists- they engage the audience and retain their interest
• An atmosphere- dark, terror, paranoia
• Heroes and villians
• Conventionally they have a 'happy ending'

Typical thriller characters often include-

• Criminals
• Stalkers
• Assassins
• Innocent victims
• Characters with dark, mysterious pasts
• Mentally disturbed and psychotic individuals
• Terroists
• Police
• People involved in twisted relationships
• Disillusioned individuals who want to take revenge on society
• A hero with a mysterious past or a point to prove to society