Conventions

Narrative centres around crime

A protagonist and an antagonist

The title of a thriller may relate to a weakness

The narrative can present ordinary situations in which extraordinary things happen

Camera work, sound, narrative, genre, mise-en-scene, lighting, costumes, actors, editing all help with a build up of suspense

Themes of identity are common, like mistaken identity or doubling

Reflection and mirroring, manipulation of perspectives and optical illusions are common

Enigmas are usually set up, often in the opening