Conventions of a thriller

A thriller is a broad genre of literature, television, gaming or film. Often using overlapping sub genres. Thrillers usually include fast paced, lots of action and heroes who must defeat more powerful villains. Thrillers are usually mysteries, but are distinguished by their plot structure. Devices such as red herrings, suspense and cliff hangers are used. Thrillers include a sense of jeopardy and confrontation. Thrillers are usually on a much larger scale and the crimes that must be prevented are often serial or mass murder. Climaxes are used to represent the ending whether explained or not. 

Conventions of thrillers:

Character confrontation is between a Protagonist and an Antagonist in thrillers. The Protagonist is usually at the mercy of the Antagonist. The plot and characters are usually binary oppositions or as you may prefer complete opposites.

Types of thrillers:

Spy thrillers- a government agent who must take action against agents of rival governments.

Political thrillers- similarities and features of conspiracy thrillers.

Military thrillers- usually loosely based on fact but may be emphasised or altered for cinematic purposes, making a better story line.

Conspiracy thrillers- usually a small group of people threatening to expose a more powerful opposition, like a government.

Forensic thrillers- forensic scientists who are usually involved in an unsolved crime that threatens their lives.

Psychological thrillers- conflict between characters is mental rather than physical. The protagonist usually has their sanity threatened due to a situation and must overcome this throughout the film to achieve something or beat an enemy.

Horror thrillers – in which conflict between the main characters is mental, emotional and physical. 

Supernatural Thriller- in this sub genre otherworldly elements are introduced, some characters may posess a certain power such as psychic abilities.

Religious thriller- where a piece of history/artefact is discovered with so flick between different groups.