The thriller genre is a broad category of literature that encompasses a variety of sub-genres. It is characterized by the moods it elicits, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation, and anxiety. Thrillers generally keep the audience on the “edge of their seats” as the plot builds towards a climax.
Thrillers are characterized and defined by the moods they elicit, giving viewers heightened feelings of suspense, excitement, surprise, anticipation and anxiety. Successful examples of thrillers are the films of Alfred Hitchcock and novels like ‘The Da Vinci Code’ by Dan Brown.
Origins of the Thriller Genre
The thriller genre has its roots in the early works of literature, which were filled with suspense and excitement. The term ‘thriller’ was first used in the 19th century and was used to describe a broad genre of literature and film that includes numerous, often overlapping, sub-genres.
Thrillers are a genre of fiction in which tough, resourceful, but essentially ordinary heroes are pitted against villains determined to destroy them, their country, or the stability of the free world. Part of the allure of thrillers, is the the hero’s capacity to maintain his morality, thus rising above the villain.
Early Thriller Literature
Early examples of thriller literature can be traced back to the works of Edgar Allan Poe, who was known for his macabre and horrifying stories. His works often dealt with themes of death and madness, and his style of writing has been influential in the development of the thriller genre.
Another early contributor to the thriller genre was the British author Wilkie Collins. His novel ‘The Woman in White‘ is often cited as one of the first mystery novels, and it set the stage for the development of the detective novel, a sub-genre of the thriller.
Development of the Thriller Genre in Film
The thriller genre was also popular in early cinema, with films like ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari‘ and ‘Nosferatu‘ providing audiences with suspenseful and terrifying experiences. These films often used elements of mystery and horror to create a sense of suspense and fear.
As the film industry developed, so did the thriller genre. Filmmakers began to experiment with different techniques to create suspense and tension, such as the use of music, lighting, and camera angles. This led to the development of sub-genres within the thriller genre, such as the psychological thriller and the action thriller.
Sub-genres of Thriller
There are many sub-genres of thrillers, each with their own unique characteristics and conventions. Some of the most popular sub-genres include the psychological thriller, the action thriller, the crime thriller, and the supernatural thriller. Each of these sub-genres has its own set of conventions and tropes, and they often overlap with other genres.
For example, a psychological thriller may also be a horror film, while an action thriller may also be a spy film. This flexibility allows for a wide range of stories and themes within the thriller genre, making it one of the most popular and diverse genres in literature and film.
Psychological Thrillers
Psychological thrillers are a sub-genre of thriller that focuses on the mental and emotional states of the characters. These stories often involve complex relationships and manipulative characters, and they can be very suspenseful and intense.
Some popular examples of psychological thrillers include ‘Gone Girl‘ by Gillian Flynn and ‘The Girl on the Train‘ by Paula Hawkins. These novels are known for their complex characters and intricate plots, and they often deal with themes of deception, manipulation, and obsession.
Action Thrillers
Action thrillers are a sub-genre of thriller that focuses on high-stakes, fast-paced action sequences. These stories often involve a hero who must overcome a series of challenges in order to achieve their goal.
Some popular examples of action thrillers include ‘The Bourne Identity‘ by Robert Ludlum and ‘Die Hard‘ by Roderick Thorp. These novels are known for their exciting action sequences and fast-paced plots, and they often feature a resourceful and determined hero.
Characteristics of Thriller Genre
The thriller genre is characterized by a number of common elements. These include suspense, tension, excitement, surprise, anticipation, and anxiety. The protagonist in these stories is often a hero who is up against a villain or a dangerous situation.
The plots of thrillers are often complex and filled with twists and turns. The tension is built up throughout the story, often through the use of suspenseful situations and cliffhangers. The climax of the story is typically intense and exciting, and it often involves a confrontation between the hero and the villain.
Role of Suspense and Tension
Suspense and tension are key elements in the thriller genre. These elements are often created through the use of dramatic irony, where the audience knows something that the characters do not. This creates a sense of anticipation and anxiety, as the audience waits to see what will happen next.
Another way that suspense and tension are created is through the use of cliffhangers. These are moments in the story where the action is left unresolved, creating a sense of uncertainty and anticipation. This keeps the audience engaged and eager to find out what will happen next.
Role of the Hero and the Villain
The hero and the villain play crucial roles in the thriller genre. The hero is often a relatable character who is faced with a dangerous situation or a formidable opponent. They must use their wits and skills to overcome the challenges they face and defeat the villain.
The villain, on the other hand, is often a character who poses a serious threat to the hero. They are typically characterized by their evil intentions and actions, and they often have a personal connection to the hero. The conflict between the hero and the villain is a key element of the thriller genre, and it often drives the plot of the story.
Impact of Thriller Genre on Popular Culture
The thriller genre has had a significant impact on popular culture. It has influenced a wide range of media, including literature, film, television, and video games. The genre’s emphasis on suspense, tension, and excitement has made it a popular choice for storytellers and audiences alike.
Thrillers have also influenced the way stories are told in other genres. The use of suspense and tension, for example, is now common in many different types of stories, from dramas to comedies. The thriller genre has also influenced the development of other genres, such as the horror and mystery genres.
Influence on Literature
The thriller genre has had a significant impact on literature. It has influenced the way stories are told, and it has introduced new types of characters and plots. The genre’s emphasis on suspense and tension has made it a popular choice for authors and readers alike.
Thrillers have also influenced the development of other genres in literature. For example, the mystery genre often incorporates elements of the thriller genre, such as suspense and tension. Similarly, the horror genre often uses elements of the thriller genre to create a sense of fear and dread.
Influence on Film and Television
The thriller genre has also had a significant impact on film and television. It has influenced the way stories are told, and it has introduced new types of characters and plots. The genre’s emphasis on suspense and tension has made it a popular choice for filmmakers and audiences alike.
Thrillers have also influenced the development of other genres in film and television. For example, the action genre often incorporates elements of the thriller genre, such as suspense and tension. Similarly, the horror genre often uses elements of the thriller genre to create a sense of fear and dread.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the thriller genre is a broad and diverse category of literature and film that is characterized by its emphasis on suspense, tension, and excitement. It has a rich history and has influenced a wide range of media, from literature to film to television.
Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, action thrillers, or any of the other sub-genres, there’s no denying the impact and popularity of the thriller genre. It continues to captivate audiences with its suspenseful plots, complex characters, and exciting climaxes, and it is sure to remain a staple of literature and film for years to come.
Kathryn Taylor was born and raised in the Midwest and has been a book lover and writer since childhood. As a queer teenager, she found solace in writing, and has written professionally ever since graduating from college. She loves a variety of fiction book genres, including romance books, thrillers, YA, sci-fi, and adventure. She's also a fan of the Oxford comma.
Kathryn has received numerous awards for her writing and now writes exclusively for RT Book Reviews. She is a passionate activist in the LGBTQ+ community, speaking at conferences and leading queer writing workshops. When not reading and writing, Kathryn enjoys visiting local libraries and bookstores across the country, exploring new cities, and spending time with her family.
