Definition
Thriller fiction emphasizes suspense, danger, and pace, often with high stakes and a ticking clock. The reader expects tension, reversals, and forward momentum more than puzzle-solving alone.
Example
An embassy worker has 48 hours to stop an assassination plot before diplomats arrive.
Related terms
Common mistakes
- Raising stakes every chapter without grounding them in character motivation.
- Confusing thriller with horror; thrillers prioritize suspense, horror prioritizes fear and dread.