Thriller films usually include similar themes, characters and plots. These are known as the codes and conventions of thriller films. 

 

The two main characters always included in thriller films are:

 

- The protagonist: The protagonist is usually the centre of the film and may not always be a 'good' person, but is portrayed as such. They are usually out to solve a problem or crime and defeat the antagonist in some way

 

- The antagonist: They are the enemy or person standing in the way of the protagonist. They are usually somewhat insane, evil or violent. Usually the source of the problem.

 

- Character types usually included include:

 

- Convicts

- Soldiers

-Spies

-Police officers

-Stalkers / Psychotic people

- Assassins

- Innocent, normal people who get dragged into situations

- Prisoners

 

These are just a few different character types that are included in thriller films. However many themes / subgenres are ever-present in thriller films. Some of the most popular types are: 

 

- Action thrillers

- Comedy thrillers

-Conspiracy thrillers

- Crime thrillers

-Erotic thrillers

- Legal thrillers

- Political thrillers

- Psychological thrillers

- Spy thrillers

- Supernatural thrillers 

- Techno thrillers 

 

Thrillers also usually follow a particular narrative when telling a story.

 

Simple thriller films usually pursue a single-minded goal - to provide thrills and keep the audience on edge and questioning everything till the climax of the film. Tensions usually arise when the protagonist is placed in a situation which requires them to solve or escape (usually a seemingly impossible situation).  The characters (particulary the protagonist) usually comes into conflict with several other people and always seems to escape and beat the odds.

 

 

 

 

 

Thriller films always include indicators in the mise-en-scene which let the audience know that its a thriller film.