Man, do I love a good thriller! There’s something about the tension, the deception, and the twisting nature of a well-written thriller that creates a surge of adrenaline mixed with anxiety and anticipation. I ask you, is there anything better than that?
Obviously, I don’t just enjoy reading thrillers, but they’re my writing genre of choice as well. And, of all the variations, my two favorites are the psychological thriller and the domestic thriller. For reference, “A Killer Secret” is a psychological thriller, and “The Fall of Faith” is a domestic thriller.
Both sub genres offer intense, often unsettling narratives. I thought it might be enlightening to delve into the similarities and differences between these two thrilling story types.
Psychological thrillers: oh the mind games!
Psychological thrillers focus on characters’ mental and emotional states, often delving deep into the psyche to explore themes of identity, perception, and sanity. These stories often revolve around a protagonist who faces internal and external conflicts, with the narrative often blurring the line between reality and illusion. (Readers of “A Killer Secret” should find this description eerily familiar.)
Key characteristics of good psychological thrillers:
- Complex Characters
Psychological thrillers feature protagonists and antagonists with intricate psychological profiles. These characters often grapple with mental health issues, past traumas, or moral dilemmas, adding layers of complexity to the story.
- Unreliable Narrators
A hallmark of psychological thrillers is the good ’ol unreliable narrator. This fun narrative technique keeps readers guessing about the truth, creating a sense of suspense and uncertainty that helps drive the plot forward.
- Internal Conflict
The tension in psychological thrillers often arises from characters’ internal struggles. The protagonist’s journey through their own mind becomes a central focus, with the plot unfolding through their perceptions and interpretations.
- Twists and Turns
Psychological thrillers are known for their unexpected plot twists. This is precisely why I love writing them! These surprises challenge readers’ assumptions and keep them engaged, often leading to shocking revelations by the story’s end.
Domestic thrillers: you can cut the tension with a knife.
The suspense of the domestic thriller is grounded in the seemingly ordinary and even mundane aspects of domestic life. These stories often unfold within family units, neighborhoods, or close-knit communities, where the familiarity of the setting contrasts sharply with the tension and danger lurking beneath the surface. (Sure sounds like “The Fall of Faith” doesn’t it?)
Key characteristics of good domestic thrillers:
- Everyday Characters
Protagonists and antagonists in domestic thrillers are often everyday people. Their ordinary lives are disrupted by extraordinary events. This sense of realism is what resonates most with me both as a reader and an author.
- Focus on Relationships
Domestic thrillers emphasize the dynamics between characters, particularly within families or close friends. The exploration of trust, loyalty, and deception adds depth to the narrative, which makes you question the true nature of these relationships.
- Relatable Settings
Domestic thrillers are typically set in environments that readers can find relatable, such as suburban homes, small towns, or family gatherings. This familiarity makes the unfolding drama and suspense more impactful.
- Interpersonal Conflict
A domestic thriller’s tension arises from interpersonal relationships and conflicts. Secrets, lies, and betrayals within families or communities drive the plot, revealing the dark undercurrents of the characters’ lives.
Similarities abound between psychological and domestic thrillers.
If I’m being honest, I love how similar these great genres are. In fact, although I published “A Killer Secret” as a psychological thriller and “The Fall of Faith” as a domestic thriller, they’re more similar than different. Some of the most notable crossover characteristics include:
- Suspense and Tension
Both genres excel at building suspense and tension. Whether it’s the protagonist’s internal struggle or the unraveling of family secrets, the narrative keeps readers on edge, eager to discover what happens next.
- Exploration of Human Nature
Both genres delve into the complexities of human nature. Psychological thrillers explore the depths of the mind, while domestic thrillers examine the intricacies of relationships and social dynamics.
- Twists and Surprises
Both genres rely on unexpected twists to keep readers engaged. These plot twists challenge readers’ assumptions and add layers of intrigue to the story. And have I mentioned these twists are my favorite part of planning a new novel?
Differences between psychological and domestic thrillers are very nuanced.
- Focus of Conflict
Psychological thrillers primarily focus on internal conflicts and mental states, while domestic thrillers center around interpersonal conflicts within familiar settings.
- Setting
The settings in psychological thrillers can vary widely, often reflecting the protagonist’s mental state, whereas domestic thrillers are typically set in relatable, everyday environments.
- Character Types
Psychological thrillers feature characters with complex psychological profiles, while domestic thrillers often depict ordinary people whose lives are disrupted by extraordinary events.
Both psychological thrillers and domestic thrillers offer unique and captivating reading experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the mind-bending twists of a psychological thriller or the intense interpersonal drama of a domestic thriller, these genres continue to intrigue and entertain readers with their exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. I may not always write thrillers, but it will always be my favorite genre.
