Thriller/Mystery Genre - Character Types

Character Types

A typical character type in the thriller/mystery genre is an underdog protagonist who is just a normal ordinary person that the audience can relate to. They typically are put in a difficult position or at a disadvantage and may face threats that they don't really fully comprehend. The majority of the narrative will focus on the underdog protagonist having to figure out why events are happening to them and how to get out of their situation. 

Another character type example in thrillers is an overpowering antagonist who is much stronger than the protagonist and might have more power over them, potentially controlling or manipulating them. The antagonist typically is going against the protagonist by making them scared and trying to harm them, or breaking their will be refusing to elaborate on why the protagonist is in such a perilous situation.

Another common character, or 'group' of characters, are shady organisations or corporations who are controlling the events which take place, often for reasons that remain unclear even after the narrative ends. These figures are secretive, with characters looking or dressing in a similar fashion.

Thrillers often also include 'law' figures, cops or detectives who are trying to piece together the meaning behind events, capture a killer or rescue the protagonist. Frequently, the audience are put in the same narrative position as these characters, viewing things from their perspective and uncovering answers at the same time they do.