Character Types extended

The two main characters (antagonist and protagonist) in a thriller are set apart from each other in a particular way the audience views them.

The heroes in thrillers are often men that are accustomed to danger in their jobs or lifestyles (E.g. policemen, spies etc) or are ordinary citizens that have been pulled into danger by accident. The male hero usually has an aim to defeat the evil of the situation and will persevere even if nothing is going according to plan.
The villains in thrillers are also usually male, normally tall, well-built and with a shady sense around them that they shouldn't be trusted. This character may have some physical deformity ( if their secret is hidden throughout the majority of the film) or a traumatic experience that has changed their outlook on life or humanity. Usually they will work alone.
Other supporting characters are most commonly on the protagonist's side and will attempt to help them. Although sometimes these characters will betray the hero and leave to support the villain or another third party. Female roles are often innocent and helpless until their help is needed. However the female role in The Silence of the Lambs shows that the hero can be a woman who is determined, strong-minded and will push anything out of her way to figure something out.


The types of clothing that different characters wear are very typical and generic. In general, most characters will appear smartly dressed or at least well-dressed, however different types of thrillers and setting may cause the dress code to change. Often the villain will wear form-fitting clothing that emphasises their build and therefore power and creates a contrast with the hero of the film.
One prominent feature of the character's dress are the colours used. Colours of the character's clothes will draw parallels to their personality. -Villains appear in dark clothing (usually black). While innocent and young characters wear pastel colours to emphasise certain aspects of themselves. A bright colour like red will usually draw attention to that character and show their differences to the main party. Red is also worn by alluring female characters to show that they are sexy or attractive.