Murder mysteries follow common codes and conventions - the storyline involves an unsolved crime that is unravelled through clues, circumstances, and interviews by a detective or civilian who works to catch the villain and solve the killing. Typical characters include the solver of the crime, the murderer, those with information, and victims. Settings usually involve the office where the crime is investigated and the scene of the murder, often a house or workplace.

1. Codes and conventions of
murder mysteries
(subgenre of thrillers)
Typical storylines
• Unsolved crime
• Unravel the crime
• Clues and circumstances
• Interviews
Characters
• Solving the crime (detective/normal civilian)
• Villain to catch
• someone who has information about the killing
• Victims of murder
Settings
• Usually an office to put
the crime together
• Scene of murder, usually
house or work place
Editing
• Fade to blacks
Iconography
• Dull or dark day
• Blood
• Weapons
Use of sounds
• Mellow/eerie orchestral sounds
• Dialogue
• Diagetic sounds