Below is a brief overview of thematic roles with examples.
Agent – the argument that carries out the action of a verb
Jack kissed Jill.
Experiencer – the argument that undergoes an emotion or perception with the senses
Jill was tired of being kissed.
Theme – the argument that undergoes the action of a verb
Jill pushed Jack down the hill.
Benefactive/recipient – the argument that receives anything as a result of the action of the verb
Jack sent flowers to Jill as an apology.
Goal – the direction towards which the action of a verb moves
Then he decided to go to Hawaii for a break.
Source – the direction from which the action of a verb moves
He checked out some books from the library to take on vacation.
Instrument – the object with which action of a verb is carried out
Jill called Jack with her cell phone.
Location – the place in which the action of a verb is carried out
They decided to meet at the airport.
Time – a delineation of time during which the action of the verb occurs
They met two hours before Jack’s departure.
Measure – the argument that expresses amount
Jill bought a ticket for Hawaii that cost ten dollars.
