Five Things Psychological Thriller Characters Should NEVER Do

As someone who both reads and writes psychological thrillers, I’ve noticed that characters in these books have a remarkable talent for making terrible decisions.

Without those decisions, of course, there probably wouldn’t be a story.

Still, here are five things psychological thriller characters should absolutely never do…

1. Go into the basement/woods/abandoned building alone
Particularly at night. Especially after hearing a strange noise. Nothing good has ever come of this.

2. Ignore obvious red flags
If your charming new neighbour knows far too much about you, appears unexpectedly outside your workplace, and flirts a lot… then don’t invite him in for coffee. Again, nothing good will happen.

3. Keep crucial information from the police
Psychological-thriller protagonists (mine included!) love saying things like:
“I can’t tell the police. It’ll ruin everything.”
Usually moments before everything is ruined anyway.

4. Decide to investigate things personally
No, you probably should not break into somebody’s house armed only with a torch and misplaced confidence. The homeowner will ALWAYS return, leaving you trapped.

5. Read that mysterious diary/email/text message immediately before bed
Congratulations. You’ve just uncovered something deeply disturbing at 11:47pm and there is now zero chance of a restful night.

That said, flawed decisions are part of what makes psychological thrillers so addictive. Rational, emotionally balanced people who communicate clearly and make sensible choices tend not to generate much suspense.

Which probably explains why readers keep turning the pages.

What’s your favourite bad decision made by a psychological thriller character?

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