Characters and Characterisation

In most thriller films there is a main character that is innocent and resembled as good and there is a antagonist character that resembles evil. The main character (protagonist) is always given near to impossible tasks or situations to over come. If the protagonist fails to over come the situation or task the punishment for them is usually death. The antagonist usually is smarter and stronger than the protagonist and most of the time has more power or control than the protagonist in almost every situation within the film. 

The protagonist usually has a quest that must be completed in order to restore normality. The plotline focuses on a mystery that must be solved by the protagonist. The movie is mostly viewed through the protagonist's point of view, which reiterates the point of their quest being almost impossible to get through. 

'Teddy Daniels' from 'Shutter Island'

Examples of protagonists in thriller films are, ordinary citizens that are not used to danger, and 'hard men' that are used to danger like police officers or secret agents. The protagonist is usually very realistic and life-like with a strong mental and physical state of health.

'Travis Bickle' from 'Taxi Driver'

Examples of the antagonist in thriller films are dependent on the type of thriller film. For example, in a psychological thriller the antagonist is usually some form of paranormal being, like a demon or an evil spirit.  However in an action thriller the antagonist is usually a criminal or an assassin, for example.