Fiction's Tropes
The Good, The Bad, And The Overused
Introduction
Tropes are an essential part of storytelling. They are the building blocks, allowing authors to express their themes, characters, and ideas in a more creative and meaningful way. In fiction, tropes can give stories a sense of familiarity and comfort while still being fresh and unique. But sometimes, overuse can lead to stale or cliché, making stories uninteresting.
So, what exactly is a trope? It is a common narrative or idea that is used to help shape stories and characters. It often involves repeating plot points, character archetypes, and other elements of storytelling. Tropes are not always bad. However, when overused, they can allow readers to become less engaged and lose interest in the story.
In this article, I will explore the good, the bad, and the overused tropes in fiction. I’ll look at the tropes that evoke emotion and creativity, the ones that are overused and stale, and the tropes that are so common that readers quickly lose interest. I will also discuss how authors can use tropes to surprise readers and how readers can use tropes to challenge themselves.
one | The Good
In discussing tropes, note that not all are equal. Some of them can actually be incredibly powerful tools when used the right way. Tropes that add depth to characters and stories, evoke emotion, and spark creativity can be incredibly effective in telling a story.
One trope that often works well in fiction is the “bad guy with a heart of gold.” This one is often used to show a character’s journey from darkness to light or to show how redemption occurs despite their past. Another trope that can be incredibly effective is the “hero’s journey.” This trope is used to show how a character can develop and grow over the course of a story. Writers often throw the hero into a situation they were not ready for and have to face their fears and doubts in order to succeed. This trope can often give the character an arc that readers can emotionally engage with.
Tropes that focus on themes of love and sacrifice can also be effective. These types are often used to explore the depths of a character’s commitment to something or someone, showing how far they’re willing to go for the people they care about.
Tropes that focus on themes of family and friendship are also powerful. These types of tropes often focus on how unique characters come together to form a bond and how they support each other in times of need.
Finally, there are tropes that rely on humor to bring a story to life. These involve characters being placed in silly or wacky situations that they must find a way out of. It can be a great way to lighten the mood and bring some much-needed levity to a story.
two | The Bad
With tropes in fiction, you can’t help but notice the ones that have become overused and stale. These are the ones that seem to come up all too often, and they’re the ones that quickly wear out their welcome. They’ve become so common, it’s almost like they’re tired old cliches.
A few examples.
The “Chosen One” trope is the idea that the protagonist is the only one who can save the world from certain destruction. It may make for an interesting story, but it can also come across as too predictable.
The “Love Triangle” trope is when two characters are vying for the affections of the same person. While it can be used to impressive effect, it can also become tedious.
The “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” trope is the trope of the quirky, independent woman who is there to help the male protagonist on his journey. It can add depth to a character, but can come across as a shallow attempt to give the male character an interesting female counterpart.
The “Perfectly Capable Female” trope is when a female character is strong and independent, but overlooked in favor of the male characters. The intent is to make a female character “strong” by making her capable, but often it’s at the expense of her personality and development.
The “Smug Smart Guy” trope is one commonly seen in teen films and sitcoms. This is the trope of the character who is always one step ahead of everyone else and uses his superior intelligence to get ahead. While this trope is often used to add humor, it can also make the character come across as pompous and unlikable.
These are just a few examples of tropes that are overused, but there are many more. Each can be effective in storytelling, but when they become tired old cliches, they can quickly take away from the story.
three | Examples of The Overused
These tropes are everywhere. From novels to movies and TV shows. They leave an impression on us, but not necessarily in a good way.
The “Damsel in Distress” is where a female character is always in need of rescue from a male character. This trope often makes readers roll their eyes in frustration.
The “Evil Mastermind” who always seems to have a plan to take over the world. This trope is so prevalent that it has become a caricature.
The “Mentor Character” helps the protagonist along their journey, often providing wisdom and guidance.
The “Fairytale” trope relies heavily on stereotypical characters, such as a handsome prince and a beautiful princess, destined to be together, and often have a happily ever after ending.
The “Hero’s Journey” trope relies on the same basic structure every time. This trope is so common that it can feel predictable, making it uninteresting to readers.
These tropes can make readers quickly lose interest in the story. Fortunately, authors can use these tropes in creative ways, such as subverting them or using them to challenge readers.
four | Subverting Tropes
At its core, subverting tropes is about surprising readers. It’s about taking a clichéd trope and turning it on its head to create something unexpected and exciting. Readers often praise authors who can successfully use tropes to challenge them.
Authors can do subverting tropes in a variety of ways. They can take the most common tropes and subvert them by creating a twist. Think of it as taking the trope and making it unique. It could be something as simple as changing the gender of a character or taking a trope in a completely new and unexpected direction. It’s all about using the tropes to surprise the reader and keep them engaged in the story.
Another way to subvert tropes is to use them in ways that feel familiar to the reader, but in a new and unexpected way. For example, use a trope that is expected and recognizable, but use it to tell a story differently. This can be an effective way to challenge the reader while still providing them with something they are comfortable with.
Authors can also use tropes as a tool to challenge the reader. By subverting common tropes, authors can create stories that challenge the reader’s beliefs and ideas. This can explore difficult topics or encourage the reader to think about new ways of looking at things.
Finally, use tropes to create stories that are full of surprises. By using tropes that are unexpected or by using common tropes in a new way, authors can create stories that keep readers guessing and keep them engaged.
Conclusion
It's clear that tropes in fiction can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they can provide an easy way to create a relatable story and characters, while on the other, they can become so cliché that readers quickly tire of them. No matter what your opinion, note that if used correctly, they can add a layer of depth and emotion.
Tropes are an invaluable tool for creating stories that excite and engage readers. Whether it's a good trope, a bad trope or an overused trope, knowing how to use them to your advantage can help make your story stand out.
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