A techno-thriller is a hybrid genre drawing from science fiction, thrillers, spy fiction, action and war novels, defined by a thriller-style narrative structure supported by an exceptional amount of technical detail on its subject matter; the inner workings of technology and the mechanics of various disciplines are thoroughly explored, and the plot often turns on the particulars of that exploration. The genre began to distinguish itself from its parent genres in the early twentieth century, with further development in the mid-twentieth century.
Facts
Place of OriginThe genre dates to the early twentieth century; Jules Verne's 1905 novel Invasion of the Sea has been called an early techno-thriller. 1 Notable ExampleTom Clancy's The Hunt for Red October, alongside Michael Crichton's The Andromeda Strain, is credited with setting out the type example that defined the modern techno-thriller. 1 Defining TraitA techno-thriller is defined by a thriller narrative structure combined with an exceptional amount of technical detail, typically about military technology, that the plot itself turns on. 1 FAQs
What are the main varieties of techno-thriller?
At least five varieties: military, spy, crypto, disaster and science-fiction techno-thrillers.
The genre has at least five varieties: military, spy, crypto, disaster and science-fiction techno-thrillers. Military techno-thrillers focus heavily on martial technology. Spy techno-thrillers focus on espionage and the specifics of tradecraft while keeping the pacing of a traditional thriller. In crypto techno-thrillers the drama unfolds largely online. Disaster techno-thrillers center on events such as an earthquake, apocalypse or nuclear war, and the protagonist's goal is usually simply to survive rather than end the crisis. Science-fiction techno-thrillers rely heavily on scientific detail, as in the genetic science behind Jurassic Park or the astrophysics behind The Martian.
Connections
Sources
1. Techno-thriller (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
defined by a thriller style of narrative structure, but supported by an exceptional amount of technical details on their subject matter (typically military technology)
History section
Michael Crichton and Tom Clancy are considered to be the fathers of the "modern techno-thriller"; Crichton's book The Andromeda Strain and Clancy's book The Hunt for Red October set out the type example which defined the genre
History section, opening sentences
The genre dates back to early in the 20th century. Invasion of the Sea by Jules Verne (1905) has been called an early techno-thriller.
View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.