Research into Conventions of the Genre
Definition:
⦁ “A thriller is defined as a narrative wherein the reader experiences a vicarious thrill by identifying with both the deeds of high daring, performed by the hero and the dangers to which he (or she) is exposed.” [Conventions of Thriller Films]
Thriller Conventions:
⦁ Context: Historical and geographical context drives societal values and themes in the text.
⦁ Setting: Often urban or sub-urban, everyday normality.
⦁ Mood: Intense excitement, rush of emotions, suspense, a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety, and nerve-wracking tension; creates feelings of surprise, curiosity suspense, hope, anxiety.
⦁ Danger: Life itself is threatened, usually because the principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation. Violence and death are central conventions.
⦁ Fast pace, action
⦁ Tough, resourceful, ordinary hero drawn into danger by circumstances beyond their control; hero: faces danger alone, with a partner or small group of companions; cut off from support or ‘their’ organisation
⦁ Plot driven by villain, who creates obstacles for the hero; out to destroy hero, their country or their world; villain punished, strong silent hero wins weak and helpless girl
⦁ Limited character development (characters don’t really grow or change)
⦁ “A thriller is defined as a narrative wherein the reader experiences a vicarious thrill by identifying with both the deeds of high daring, performed by the hero and the dangers to which he (or she) is exposed.” [Conventions of Thriller Films]
Thriller Conventions:
⦁ Context: Historical and geographical context drives societal values and themes in the text.
⦁ Setting: Often urban or sub-urban, everyday normality.
⦁ Mood: Intense excitement, rush of emotions, suspense, a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety, and nerve-wracking tension; creates feelings of surprise, curiosity suspense, hope, anxiety.
⦁ Danger: Life itself is threatened, usually because the principal character is unsuspecting or unknowingly involved in a dangerous or potentially deadly situation. Violence and death are central conventions.
⦁ Fast pace, action
⦁ Tough, resourceful, ordinary hero drawn into danger by circumstances beyond their control; hero: faces danger alone, with a partner or small group of companions; cut off from support or ‘their’ organisation
⦁ Plot driven by villain, who creates obstacles for the hero; out to destroy hero, their country or their world; villain punished, strong silent hero wins weak and helpless girl
⦁ Limited character development (characters don’t really grow or change)
This mind map was taken from https://www.mindmeister.com/685037204/conventions-of-the-thriller-genre
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