ASSIGNMENT 15
William Whiteford – Thriller Map Version 2
1. While rewriting my Thriller Map, I realized the crucial role that clues play in leading to the resolution of mysteries. Initially, after a strong opening (a man with a rifle shooting a bird, a Hitchcock-inspired twist), the tension diminished in Act 1. This was because my… Read more

Assignment 14
William Whiteford – Thriller Map Version 1

What I learned is how to transform a “tagged” Thriller Map into a structured, coherent outline that serves as a blueprint for a script. This version is designed to be clear, easy to follow, and suitable for feedback. Below is the revised Thriller Map, divided into three acts, with each… Read more

Assignment 13

William Whiteford – Misdirects…When Appropriate!

In this assignment, I explored the essence, types, role, and methods of misdirection in thriller story. Unlike clues, misdirection is used to divert the audience’s attention away from the truth, adding elements of surprise and excitement.
Within the context of our Thriller Map,… Read more

Assignment 12
William Whiteford – Give Great Clues!
In this assignment, I learned about the concept of a clue—an essential element in thrillers—its nature, types, functions, and how to create one effectively. A clue is anything that helps guide the audience toward solving a mystery, gradually revealing the truth. The writer’s job is to keep… Read more

Assignment 11
William Whiteford – Dramatic Reveals

In this assignment, I explored the essence and role of dramatic reveals and how to effectively create them. Generally, reveals are the culmination of mysteries or the unveiling of a villain’s secret plan. They bring surprise and tension to the story. To construct a compelling reveal, it’s… Read more

Assignment 10
William Whiteford: Trust Relationships in Thrillers

In this assignment, I explored how trust plays a crucial role in thriller narratives and how to effectively incorporate it. Trust, in this context, refers to relationships between characters—some genuine, others fleeting, and some misleading or opposite to what they initially… Read more

Assignment 9
William Whiteford – Twists and Turns

In this assignment, I explored the definition, types, structure, and function of plot twists, as well as how to create them effectively. Plot twists surprise the audience, evoke emotional highs and lows, and make a story more unpredictable. Structurally, a twist is simple: an event or action… Read more

Assignment 8
William Whiteford – Thriller Plot!

In this assignment, I learned how to create a rough draft for a thriller plot outline. The process begins by selecting a movie structure, with the three-act structure being a popular choice. Next, the key elements of mystery, intrigue, and suspense (MIS) are arranged within seven key structural… Read more

Assignment 7

William Whiteford – The Life-Threatening Sequence

In this assignment, I learned how to create a Life-Threatening Sequence, one of the critical conventions in thriller writing. A movie or story thrills when the audience fears for the hero’s safety. Ideally, the hero should remain under constant threat from the inciting incident… Read more