antagonist: a character who actively opposes the protagonist or hero of a story; an adversary.
coming-of-age: the point at which a individual or character loses their innocent view of life; they are forced to "grow up"
cross-genre: stories that present features of 2 or more different genre.
epic: extending beyond the usual or ordinary in size or scope
main feature: attribute or aspect that is primary and necessary to the plot of a story.
protagonist: the main character of a story, generally a champion of good or the character through whom which the reader will gain understanding.
quest: a long or arduous search for something of meaning.
tone: the general attitude of a place, situation or piece of literature; the mood.
Most espionage novels are certainly thrillers. They keep you on the "edge of your seat" with action and adventure. What makes them different than the thriller sub-genre novels of suspense? Generally speaking, the difference is in tone. Suspense thrillers are darker in tone, evoking a sense of dread in the reader as they follow an unfolding crime. The tone of adventure espionage is more adventure driven. Protagonists know their enemy and engage in exciting ways. Many espionage novels feature well known and loved characters and exist as part of a series. Look to popular spy movies to better understand this genre of literature: Jason Bourne, James Bond, Sydney Bristow, Jane Smith (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, even Harriet the Spy. They all started with an espionage novel.
The Classics:
Modern Literary Novels:
Popular Spy Series
Library Information and Media Center - Monona Grove High School - Monona, Wisconsin