The Distinct Difference between Horror and Thriller
Horror and thriller are two genres that have always been closely intertwined. While both are designed to grip the reader’s attention and send shivers down their spines, there are key differences between the two that can drastically alter the reading experience. In this article, we will discuss the differences between horror and thriller, and what sets them apart.
Horror: Fear at its Most Prominent
Horror stories are all about creating a sense of dread, terror, and fear. Typically, they deal with supernatural elements, such as ghosts, demons, or monsters, and often involve themes of death and gore. The aim of the horror story is to evoke the strongest emotions of dread and anxiety in the reader, as they are placed in a world filled with dark and terrifying creatures.
Horror will often feature protagonists that are vulnerable, unprepared, and ill-equipped to handle the supernatural entities that are after them. The horror genre’s main goal is to scare the living daylights out of its readers, and by using gore, horror does an excellent job of creating a sense of revulsion and disgust.
Thriller: Suspense and Tension
The thriller genre is all about suspense and tension. Thrillers will usually deal with psychological threats, such as stalkers, killers, and criminals that keep the protagonist in a state of heightened emotional distress. These stories are designed to keep readers at the edge of their seats, anticipating what will happen next.
The pacing of thrillers is faster than horror, and the level of violence or gore is significantly lower. They focus more on the psychological aspect of terror, and the consequences that will occur if the protagonist cannot overcome their adversary. In a thriller, the protagonist is typically better equipped than in horror stories, more sophisticated, and always ready to face a psychological menace.
The Difference
Although horror and thriller seem eerily similar, there are a few distinct differences between the two. Thriller stories rely more heavily on plot twists and suspenseful pacing to create tension, while horror tales focus on gruesome scenes to strike fear into their reader’s hearts. Another primary difference is the level of danger faced by the protagonist; in the horror genre, the danger is supernatural, while in thrillers, the danger is usually psychological.
Overall, both horror and thriller genres are unique in their own way. Regardless of which genre you choose to explore, one thing is for sure – you’re sure to have a thrill!
The Conclusion
Both horror and thriller genres have their unique forms of storytelling, and each serves their specific purpose. While horror invokes feelings of revulsion and disgust, the thriller genre focuses more on suspense and psychological terror to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
If you’re in the mood for a quick scare, pick up a horror novel, but if you prefer a more drawn-out chiller that will keep you hooked until the end, try a thriller instead.
Table difference between horror and thriller
| Horror | Thriller | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Genre of fiction that is intended to scare, unsettle, or horrify the audience | Genre of fiction that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements |
| Emotion | Fear, disgust, shock, and terror | Anxiety, anticipation, and excitement |
| Setting | Dark and eerie places, haunted houses, or supernatural locations | Any setting that can create suspense, such as a city or an isolated location |
| Plot | Focuses on supernatural or paranormal events and often includes elements of gore and violence | Focuses on a threat or danger that the protagonist needs to overcome, often involving crime or mystery elements |
| Characters | Usually features supernatural or paranormal characters, such as ghosts, vampires, or zombies | Characters are often ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations |
| Examples | The Exorcist, The Shining, A Nightmare on Elm Street | The Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, Gone Girl |