Previously: Coming-of-Age, Fantasy, Romance, Horror, Paranormal, Science Fiction
A “trope,” not to be confused with nor transformed into a cliché, is an element a reader expects as a characteristic of a genre (such as magical creatures or talismans in a fantasy story). A cliché, on the other hand, occurs when you take a trope too far (rich-boy-loves-poor-girl romance, for example). The material difference between the two is what fresh, new characters, settings, or magical canon you bring to a familiar element.
No, you don’t have to use every trope listed here in your stories. This is for reference and guidance only. And the “possible conflicts” are just suggestions as well.
No, you don’t have to use every trope listed here in your stories. This is for reference and guidance only. And the “possible conflicts” are just suggestions as well.
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:
It may seem a little unfair to lump all three of these together, but the tropes are similar and the necessity for vivdly-portrayed settings, interesting, complex characters and tight plotting and pacing are universal.
