Thriller genre

Main

A thriller is a genre of fiction that aims to keep readers in a state of suspense, excitement, and anticipation throughout the story. The core idea of a thriller is to create a gripping narrative that keeps the audience engaged by using plot twists, cliffhangers, and a sense of danger or urgency that the protagonist must overcome.

For example, in "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown, the protagonist, Robert Langdon, must unravel a series of cryptic clues while being pursued by a mysterious antagonist, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Terms

• Antagonist: The villain or opposing force that the protagonist must confront and overcome.

• Cliffhanger: A plot device that leaves the audience in suspense at the end of a chapter or scene.

• Plot twist: An unexpected change in the direction of the story that surprises the reader.

• Protagonist: The main character of the story, often facing significant challenges or threats.

• Red herring: A literary device used to mislead or distract readers from the truth.

• Suspense: A feeling of excitement, anxiety, or uncertainty about the outcome of events in the story.

Analogy

A thriller is like a roller coaster ride. Just as a roller coaster takes you through ups, downs, and unexpected turns, a thriller novel takes you on an emotional journey filled with twists, turns, and heart-pounding moments. For example, reading a thriller novel can feel like being on a high-speed chase, not knowing what will happen next or how the protagonist will escape danger.

Misconception

Many people believe that thrillers and horror stories are the same. However, while both genres aim to evoke strong emotions, thrillers focus more on creating suspense and excitement, whereas horror stories primarily aim to frighten or disgust the reader. For instance, a thriller might involve a detective trying to catch a serial killer, while a horror story might feature a supernatural entity terrorizing a group of people.

History

1. 1800s: Early examples of thriller-like stories appear, such as Edgar Allan Poe's "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1841).

2. Early 1900s: The term "thriller" is coined, and the genre gains popularity with the works of authors like Agatha Christie and Erskine Childers.

3. 1950s-1960s: Cold War era inspires spy thrillers, such as Ian Fleming's James Bond series.

4. 1970s-1980s: Psychological thrillers gain prominence, with authors like Thomas Harris and Stephen King.

5. 1990s-present: Thrillers diversify and blend with other genres, such as legal thrillers (John Grisham) and techno-thrillers (Michael Crichton).

How to use it

1. When selecting a thriller novel, consider your personal preferences for subgenres, such as psychological thrillers or spy thrillers, and read reviews or summaries to ensure the book aligns with your interests.

2. Set aside dedicated time to read the thriller in longer, uninterrupted sessions to fully immerse yourself in the story and maintain the sense of suspense.

3. After reading a thriller, reflect on the elements that kept you engaged, such as the plot twists or character development, and consider discussing the book with friends or joining a book club to share your thoughts and hear different perspectives.

Facts

• Thrillers account for nearly one-third of all adult fiction book sales in the United States.

• The thriller genre has produced some of the best-selling books of all time, such as Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" (2003), which has sold over 80 million copies worldwide.

• Many successful thriller novels have been adapted into films, including "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) and "Gone Girl" (2014).

• The International Thriller Writers organization annually awards the "Thriller Master Award" to authors who have made significant contributions to the genre.

• Psychological thrillers often explore the darker aspects of the human mind, delving into themes such as obsession, manipulation, and moral ambiguity.