Crime Fiction Fandom

Casual observers say villain for the bad character, whereas fans use antagonist to designate any opposing force creating conflict, not necessarily evil.

Outsiders refer to police officers, but insiders use the more inclusive term law enforcement to refer to any official crime-fighting personnel in fiction.

Casual viewers say murderer, but fans use perpetrator to include broader possible culprits in theory crafting and discussion, beyond just murder to other crimes.

Outsiders see crime fiction's main character simply as a detective, whereas insiders recognize a broader role of the protagonist that may include anti-heroes, amateurs, or unconventional sleuths.

Non-fans may lump all crime fiction as detective stories, but insiders differentiate subgenres like psycho-thrillers that focus on psychological tension and the criminal’s mindset.

Casual viewers refer to suspicious characters as suspects, but fans identify 'red flags' as behavioral clues or inconsistencies raising suspicion within the story.

Casual observers view mysterious details generally as clues, but insiders distinguish intentional misleading clues (red herrings) from genuine leads, which is central to analysis and discussion.

The general audience calls surprising story turns plot twists, whereas insiders often refer to the moment of truth disclosed as the reveal, emphasizing narrative function.

Outsiders call the location where the crime happens the crime scene, but insiders also use "set piece" to denote critical, often dramatized scenes that are pivotal plot moments.

General audiences might call the genre crime shows, while insiders use whodunit to specifically describe mysteries focused on uncovering the perpetrator's identity.