Thriller Worksheets

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

In literature thrillers are suspenseful heart pounding stories that are plot driven. These are stories that are meant to elicit a strong emotional response from their readers. This genre of literature and film is important to their audiences because they allow the audience to experience things fictionally that they would go out of their way to avoid in real life. These hypotheticals arouse a great deal of excitement in the readers and film watchers. The most common types of thrillers include those that are centered around a crime or mystery. In the last decade psychological thrillers where characters with serious personal issues and disorder have become quite popular and found audiences. These worksheets will help students explore this genre of literature and better understand the ins and outs of it.

Thriller Worksheets To Print:

Primary Characteristics - Think of an thriller story that you have read or seen (in a movie or on TV). Describe how you know the story fit this genre.

Complete It - Use the surrounding context to best complete each of these sentences.

Horror - This is a similar genre, but differs in several ways. We will explore the nature of both.

The Appeal - Why do people enjoy this form of story telling and how do the features of it contribute to that enjoyment?

Cliffhanger - Sometimes you can see these coming through the narrative, but they are best when you can't.

The Ticking Clock - What is at stake if the protagonist doesn't accomplish their story goal in time?

The Setting - Does the story unfold across multiple settings? Or across multiple locations within the main setting? Explain.

Points of View - Identify the POV characters in the novel. Explain why you think the author chose to use each of these points of view, and how each one contributes to the overall effect of the story.

Story Map - An organizer particular set up for this genre.

You Chose - Write a short paper explaining how the book displays the elements.

Identification - Find all the six elements in this story.

Strong Emotions - Answer each question by referencing specific examples of the author's style, technique, plot elements, etc.

The Antagonist - How does the antagonist block the protagonist from achieving their story goal?

Elements - We will discuss all the different features.

How it Appears - Use an example to clarify the use of all the features of genre.

What Makes a Good Thriller?

Nothing beats a good thriller, as it stimulates readers and forces them to search for answers. When you produce an epic thriller, your readers won't be able to put it down. The human mind loves a challenge, and this genre provides suspense, mystery, and the element of surprise. This type of writing has been around forever; think of the little red riding hood, one of the first stories defined as a mind thriller. This story has travelled across continents and become a childhood memory for thousands of children, as it holds the power to thrill the simplest of minds.


Subgenres of Thrillers


So, why are thrillers a more successful genre than others? Because they excite, frighten and charge your mind. When it comes to this genre, there are several subgenres:


1. Crime
2. Psychological
3. Action
4. Mystery
5. Political
6. Spy
7. Legal
8. Science Fiction


When writing thrillers, it is essential to know and understand what different subgenres represent and which you should use in your literary piece. For readers, knowing what subgenre excites you the most is important as it narrows down the list of books and authors you must choose from. When selection becomes easier, you are more likely to find the story of your dreams.


The Primary Components of a Thriller


Like every other genre, thrillers consist of specific components that help construct an excellent storyline.


A Contract


This is the promise an author makes to readers at the beginning of the story with regard to what will be delivered to them by the end of the novel. It is essential for authors to keep their promises as every reader trusts that the author will cover every theme and leave no stones unturned. A good author ensures that readers can rely on their contract, which motivates them to write their best work yet.


A Ticking Clock


Similar to real life, characters respond and behave differently when they have a deadline. Incidents must follow a particular timeline, where the main characters are seen struggling to find answers in time. This adds the element of urgency to stories and excites readers. It also assures them that they will be provided with solutions soon enough, motivating them to keep reading.