A Quick Note on Tropes in Genre Writing in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

A Quick Note on Tropes in Genre Writing in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

 Tropes are often used in literature as a way to create familiarity and provide a sense of structure to the story. They are commonly used because theyhave been successful in the past and resonate with readers. However, overuse of tropes can lead to predictable and mundane storytelling.

A trope can be a plot device, such as the hero's journey or love triangle, or a character attribute, suchas the brooding anti-hero or the wise mentor. These tropes have become so ingrained in the genre that they are now seen as commonplace and expected by readers.

One of the most common tropes in literature is the love triangle. This occurs when a protagonist is torn between two love interests, often with very different personalities or backgrounds. The love triangle trope can be found in many genres, including romance, young adult, and even science fiction.

While the love triangle can add drama and tension to a story, the overuse of this trope can become formulaic and predictable. The same can be said for other popular tropes such as the chosen one, the underdog, and the revenge plot. These are all tropes that have been used so often that they have lost their originality and impact.

One of the dangers of relying too heavily on tropes is that they can lead to flat and stereotypical characters. For example, the "damsel in distress" trope portrays women as weak and helpless, while the "macho hero" trope depicts men as emotionless and invincible. Using these tropes perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and limits the range of character development.

However, when used effectively, tropes can add depth and nuance to a story. They can be subverted or twisted to create unexpected twists and turns. For example, in the movie "Frozen," the true love between sisters subverted the traditional romantic love triangle trope.

In conclusion, tropes are a common and expected part of literature. While they can be effective in creating familiarity and structure, they should be used carefully and judiciously. Overusing tropes can lead to predictable and formulaic storytelling, while subverting tropes can add depth and nuance. Ultimately, it is up to the writer to use tropes in a way that enriches the story and breaks new ground.

 

Also see:

• Romantic Tropes: Guide to Help Romance Novel Writers
•  4 YA Fantasy Tropes That Aren't Overdone and How to Write Them
•  80 Sci-Fi Tropes for Writers
•  Why You Should Create Your Own Genre
   

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