Conventions of a Thriller

The simple conventions of a thriller is something the audience will respond well to therefore making it succesful and good at connecting the idea to the audience, These conventions are:
Protagonist is usually at mercy of the antagonist.
Cheap suprise- easy shock usually made by unexpected sound/movements/action
False ending- appears case is solved when in fact it is not, this is done by the protagonist praising the antagonist this is used to build up the villian.
Make it personal- where the crime/plans draws in personal aspects of the protagonists life to change the plot making it a personal journey and there intentions become much more emotionally connected which reinstates there victim status.
Theatre of mind- this forces the audience to have to imagine somethings by not showing them
Antagonistts are the key to a good thriller, they drive the plot and are normally the 'villain' they drive the protagonists actions by making them react therefore without an antagonist there would be no plot. certain characteristics include:
Mindset- Antagonists are often sociopaths and are so involved by self reflection and do not become motivated in their plans by wrong or right but by there own aims.
Institutonal power- The power that comes from being rich, having access to functions of state or being in a gang (Eg. Noah Cross, from the film China Town)
Physical Power- They feel power from having excess strength/resilience
Motivation of shadow- It is best to keep the motiviation of the Antagonist slightly secret from the Audience to create mystery and dramatic tension, Here you just give hints.
Spirit of evil- Something that makes the Character become just a bit nastier, they take pleasure from seeing pain or causing harm rather than money or power.