Character Psychology in Thrillers
Why Character Psychology Drives Great Thrillers
Getting to know the characters in a story is one of the most enjoyable aspects of a book. Without being able to relate to the characters, there is a lack of empathy that throws away connection. And people need to connect. Therefore, there is this idea that thrillers live or die by character psychology.
Empathy: The Engine of Reader Connection
Once you get to know a character and can relate to their internal world, it’s much easier to understand:
- What they’re going through if they experience a breakup.
- How they feel if they get hurt.
- The mental aspects of getting suspended or terminated from their job.
- What it feels like to wake up in the morning and go to a job you hate or enjoy.
- How different your life would be if you had chosen a different profession?
Realism Versus Supernatural: Building Relatable Internal Worlds
I enjoy using the supernatural in my fiction books. But for the Griffin Knight Universe, I prefer more realistic elements that are grounded in reality, which readers can relate to. This differentiates it from other books that dive straight into pure fiction. It builds empathy and is entertaining.
Thrillers aren’t built on action, but on the minds of people stuck in danger. If you’ve ever read books like The Crash or watched anime like Cyberpunk Edgerunners, you’ll know what I mean.
Griffin Knight: A Case Study in Moral Conflict and Trauma
As an example, look at my character, Griffin Knight. He’s loyal, vigilant, morally conflicted, and honest. He plays by the book and wants peace, but instead, he attracts chaos. It’s this internal contradiction that makes him irresistible. Even while creating other books, I can’t help but think of him. His trauma shapes his reactions. Too much pressure? He seeks help. Even more? Welp, read the series to find out more. Haha.
When the pressure is on, and the stakes are high, it’s easy to root for Griffin. And with everything he has to put up with, alongside his cheeky humor, it’s easy to relate to and like him. His character psychology, his soul, is entertaining to be around, which is why I can’t stop thinking about what I’ll do with the next story.
He has a lot of responsibility on his hands, being the co-founder of Knight Chasers. But he has a duty to discover the truth, and sometimes things get messy. Despite the odds, Griffin won’t give up, even when it seems like the world is against him. Griffin must not fail, otherwise justice may not prevail. Griffin has a strong obligation to pursue justice, no matter what the stakes are.
Because of this, he will go into unfavorable situations that could cost his own safety. Even though he may be afraid, he goes anyway. This is the true antidote to fear: courage. Sometimes, Griffin feels emotionally isolated because the things he gets involved with often prompt him to be a lone wolf. While Griffin chose to work alone, it isn’t all that bad to have a partner. If you were in his situation, wouldn’t you want a right-hand man?
It’s been said that a smart person learns from their mistakes, and a wise person learns from other people’s mistakes. But the truth is, in real life, you’ll make mistakes, and you’ll sometimes have to learn the hard way. Through trial and error. Griffin Knight goes through this, and it can often alter his choices. I’m sure he misses the good old days when he worked on cases with Trenton Barnes. But being alone has its perks too.
An example of this would be staying in New York. After what Griffin went through in New York City, why would he ever want to go back? To watch a Knicks game? Maybe, but most likely not. It’s too risky.
Trauma as a Psychological Engine in Thrillers
Trauma can create tension, hesitation, and emotional reactions. When you look at Harry Potter and what he went through with Dudley and his family, that’s a perfect example of tension. He was hesitant to use magic in the Muggle world, especially when the rules state that he cannot cast magic like that. I remember when I first read that he had to live in a closet. I was like, whoa!
Trauma is a realistic aspect of thriller pacing. Knowing that you’re trapped because your car broke down, and there is no one down the road because you’re in an isolated area. Your phone doesn’t work (of course). But trauma is also a psychological engine. When that trauma kicks in, does it hinder or help the characters in the story? For Griffin, it’s both.
The Power of Morally Gray Characters
Morally gray characters in the Griffin Knight Universe are real. Is Griffin all good or partially bad? If he’s the former, can he become evil? Look at the movie Man of Tai Chi. It’s the perfect example of a good man being trained to become a killer. People felt both ways about Keanu Reeves portrayal in this movie, but it was interesting to see him as a bad guy. Either way, I’ll either think about the movie or watch a quick clip online. Another great movie to watch is Death Wish, with Bruce Willis. The excitement still brings a smile to my face.
Crafting Suspense Through Character Choices
Ambiguity can create suspense because you don’t know how things will turn out. The Tomorrow War, featuring Chris Pratt, is suspenseful. I felt it in my bones, and I enjoyed how it was implemented. I remember the thrill of waiting until they reached the other side. Can you think of ways to craft suspense in a story? For those of you who write books, controlling the pacing is one way.
Why Readers Project Themselves Into Fictional Danger
The question is: Do you think of your life when you read books? Do you think about how you would feel if you were in Griffin’s situation? These are things to explore that make reading fiction intriguing. What about when the bad guy thinks they’re doing the right thing because they need money?
The Soul of a Thriller: Choices, Consequences, and Psychology
Character psychology is rooted in thrillers. The choices characters make, the places they explore, the things they do, and the people they interact with give characters a soul. This works with your brain.
Home