Narrative devices: Key Terms Description Positive Negative

OMNISCIENT Narrative is in the perspective of multiple characters view. This allows more changes for More information is
EXAMPLE = 'Vantage Point' (Pete Travis, 2008) which shows dramatic irony which is a key revealed; this results in less
one event from different perspectives. convention for the thriller genre. questions to be asked.

RESTRICTED Narrative is only shown from the perspective of one person. It allows more questions to be May become predictable as
EXAMPLE = 'Fight Club' (David Fincher, 1999) where the asked and adds suspense as the narrative is restricted to
narrative is shown only from the perspective of the nameless everything is not revealed. one point of view.
main character.
NARRATOR The main function of the narrator is to explain the story. This can Helps the audience to Could possibly reveal too
be done in one of two ways; 1st Person Narrator (the characters understand the plot; this will be much about the story which
is a character in the plot, often the characters thoughts) or 3rd more effective if used with a non- decreases the thriller
Person Narrator (characters that we do not see, often used in a linear narrative as that technique aspects as the main thrill
omniscient narrative) can become confusing. comes from the unknown.

ENIGMA CODE This is used consistently throughout the thriller genre as it is used When used correctly, it creates
to create mystery. suspense for the audience which
compels them into watching.

ACTION CODE This moves the story forward, ellipses such as these allow all low- Allows all areas of low-interest to Too many ellipses could
action scenes to be removed from the narrative. be removed from the plot; this will create a confusing narrative.
help to keep the audience
engaged and intrigued.

PROTAGONIST This is the main hero/heroine in the story. A dilemma is often

created for this character which he/she must overcome.
ANTAGONIST This the main villain in the story. The job of this character is to
either hinder or stop the protagonist reaching a certain target/aim.

VERISIMILITUDE This is the audience belief in the plot. Vital to the thriller genre. If an
certain plot/narrative does not
seem real to the audience the
suspense and thrill factor will be
immensely decreased as they will
be less engaged in the action.
LINEAR The narrative has a start, middle and end in that particular order. It is straight forward and easy for It make become repetitive
the audience to understand. and predictable for the
audience as it is the
convention format.
NON LINEAR This is where the narrative is not in chronological order. Multiple Will help to engage the audience If not used correctly or too
flashbacks and flash forwards are used with this format. as they have to stay focused in excessively, it may become
order to keep up with the plot. confusing.

SIMULTANEOUS ACTION This is when we see one thing in the film, but another event is Encourages the audience to use
refered to, but we do not see this event. their imagination. Also key to the
thriller genre as multiple
questions can be asked about
the event that is not showed.