Villain-driven plots As is

Hero has to overcome a series of

tPlo
obstacles that the villain throws at him.
Fast pace, frequent action,
Climax of thriller – hero defeats villain
Resourceful hero, thwarts the much As is
Characters

better resourced villain

Unlike murder-mystery, the identity of
the villain can be known all along.
Victims
Often exotic settings – polar, high seas As is
etc
sSetting

Entrapment is a big factor – e.g. a

phone box, a car boot, a boat or a
plane.
Thrillers can be defined by the mood Diction to create tone. Select words
they elicit: fearful excitement. Emotions carefully that fit your mood. ‘He
created of apprehension and laughed  he cackled.
Mood

exhilaration,
Foreshadowing to create tension.
Often the mood is reinforced through As is
escalating action. Before the audience
get bored, things have to heat up.
Mirrors
Visually

stairs
multiple changes in camera angle Minor sentences? Change of
narrative point of view.
rapid shot changes Short sentences
Dissonant music Dropping clues as to bad things that
will happen
Music

Pedal notes to sound warning ?

Consonant Resolve tension.
Crescendo used ?
Jerky music ?

Other: JE write the story starter, for the class to finish.