CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 20: Elements of a Thriller

Elements of a Thriller

 

Open with a Bang or a Chill or a Compelling Question

Establish the 4 Ws Early-------Who, What, When, and Where

Inciting Incident---Sets the protagonist’s story in motion

Establish the Story Question—What does the Protagonist want/need?

Rising Tension

Who/What opposes the Protagonist and Why?

What does the antagonist want/need?

Establish a Time or Situation Endpoint

Scenes advance or obstruct the protagonist’s attaining goal

Each power scene poses a question and ends with:

Yes------------------------------Weak

No-------------------------------Better

Yes, but------------------------Strong

No, and further more———————————-Strongest

 

Convergence of Space and Time—“Life in a Trash Compactor”

Epiphany---Protagonist grasps the solution

Personal Jeopardy---Protagonist must fear for personal safety

Mano a’ Mano---Protagonist must confront antagonist “face to face”

Resolution---all major story questions are resolved