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An unreliable narrator is a character whose telling of the story is not completely accurate or credible due to problems with the character's mental state or maturity. Example: 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn features Nick Dunne, whose unreliable narration contributes to the suspense and twists in the story.

Isolation can be either physical or emotional, creating a sense of solitude and vulnerability in characters, which heightens the psychological suspense. Example: 'The Woman in the Window' by A.J. Finn illustrates the protagonist's isolation and its effects.

Moral ambiguity is when characters or situations lack clear-cut ethical implications, making it difficult for readers to classify them as purely good or evil. Example: 'Shutter Island' by Dennis Lehane features morally ambiguous characters that increase the story's complexity.

Obsession is when a character continually preoccupies themselves with a specific idea or person, which can drive the plot forward. Example: 'Misery' by Stephen King showcases the intense obsession of a fan with a novelist.

A plot twist is an unexpected development in a story that suddenly changes the direction or outcome of the plot. Example: In 'Fight Club' by Chuck Palahniuk, the revelation of Tyler Durden's true identity is a significant plot twist.

An identity crisis occurs when a character questions their own sense of self or place in the world, which can add psychological depth and tension. Example: 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' by Patricia Highsmith explores the protagonist's complex identity crisis.

Psychological conflict involves inner struggles a character faces, often between different emotions or desires. Example: In 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins, the protagonist's alcoholism leads to psychological conflicts affecting her memory and perceptions.

Manipulation in a thriller involves characters who influence others to their own advantage, creating tension and mystery. Example: 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn reveals complex manipulations between the main characters.

Psychopathic characters lack empathy and often exhibit antisocial behavior, which can induce fear and unpredictability in the narrative. Example: 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis features the psychopathic protagonist, Patrick Bateman.

Suspense is created through uncertainty and tension, keeping readers guessing about what will happen next. Example: 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris keeps readers on edge by building suspense throughout the investigation.

False accusations can lead characters into a web of danger and deceit as they seek to clear their names. Example: 'The Fugitive' by J.M. Dillard involves a protagonist who is falsely accused and must prove his innocence.

Memory loss in a character can serve as a plot device that obscures truth and creates suspense. Example: 'Memento Mori' by Jonathan Nolan inspired the film 'Memento,' where memory loss is central to the mystery.

Characters may have a distorted perception of reality, making it difficult for them to distinguish between what's real and imagined. Example: 'Shutter Island' by Dennis Lehane delves into the protagonist's distorted reality.

A claustrophobic atmosphere makes the environment feel restricting, increasing tension and a sense of impending doom. Example: 'Room' by Emma Donoghue intensively utilizes a claustrophobic setting to enhance the psychological plight of the characters.

A character's descent into madness can serve as the story's central theme, highlighting their internal deterioration. Example: 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath provides insight into the protagonist's gradual descent into mental illness.

Betrayal involves characters deceiving others, resulting in broken trust and dramatic plot developments. Example: 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S.J. Watson features profound betrayals that alter the protagonist's perception of reality.

Hidden motives are secretive reasons that drive a character's actions, often revealed to cause shock or reevaluation of the situation. Example: 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn uncovers hidden motives behind the characters' actions.