In literature, the thriller is popular. This is the genre where you can feel different extreme emotions just by sitting and reading a remarkable story. Many have become fans of this genre. Whether they are brand-new readers or fully-pledged bookworms, thriller has its way to captivate their hearts through its great elements. There have been, in fact, multiple thriller books that were adapted into movies; and, these films have also achieved success.
Most of the time, thriller stories are being mixed with another genre to enhance their features. That is why you can see many books that are categorized as mystery-thriller, suspense-thriller, and such. Moreover, Greg Van Arsdale’s pure action thriller books are the ones to look out for if you want to check out this genre. But, what could be in these novels that make them a hit? Here the elements that you need to know.
Transparent threat
Every notable thriller story has a plain and logical threat. Without it, the plot wouldn’t become that engaging. The embodiment or shape of the threat can identify which of the wide array of thriller sub-categories the story belongs to. There are different kinds of thrillers, which made it more complex to write one and develop a better threat that suits the genre. For a crime-thriller, the most common threat would be a mafia boss chasing the protagonist for him to keep his empire running smoothly. For a psychological thriller, the threat could be a serial killer on the loose hunted by a detective. The threat should be written in a clear and direct manner for the readers to identify it easily.
Great risks
The best thrillers make readers compelled to turn every page and hooked to the story. In order to achieve this great reader engagement, you need to create massive obstacles to be conquered by the main character along with appalling consequences if they wouldn’t succeed to overcome these challenges. There are a lot of tactics to increase the stakes in that particular thriller that you are writing. Stacking one problem on another and delivering almost unsolvable events to your characters is a good way to enhance the risks. You may also try putting an ultimatum or a time limit so that the protagonist or other characters to see if whether they overcome the challenge or succumb to the pressure.
High anticipation
With all the interesting conflicts, threats, risks, and other elements, readers will surely feel mixed emotions. But, the constant thing that they will feel from beginning to end in anticipation. Thriller novels are highly capable of setting the mood of the readers by igniting extreme anticipation within them. A domino-like effect will happen once the readers start to feel the excitement because other intense emotions will start to emerge and make them feel more alive. Suspense, enthusiasm, anxiety, doubts, and terror are also some of the significant things that must be felt by the readers; thus, make sure to incorporate them in the story.
Significant twists
Stories without great twists and turns will never interest the readers. Many thriller books have plots that are filled with different twists made possible by amazing literary devices and brilliant writing styles of the authors. Overthrowing the expectations of the readers and providing them with unforeseeable challenges on the main character’s journey will surely create an engaging book. However, make sure that the twists fit the plot. It is all about relevancy; hence, do not just throw every knot and complexity that come to your mind. Make sure that you blend these plot twists seamlessly so that the readers will continue reading the book.
Excellent character development
If your characters aren’t developing, then the plot will less likely to move. Take note that the characters are the most integral part of the story because they can bring your storyline from its beginning to ending. With the complicated plots, character development becomes a necessary goal to achieve. Thriller novels commonly have archetypal opposite characters, which are the protagonist and antagonist. However, authors must create solid backgrounds for these characters so that readers can examine their characteristics, know the reason for their behaviors, and uncover their truths. Thus, keep in mind that the progress of the pot is directly proportional to the progress of the characters.
Alex Writes 