word or expression used in a figurative sense : figure of speech or b: a common or overused theme or device: cliche'"
Cliche'? Oh boy. Nobody wants to be accused of using them, reading them, or liking them. But there are a few fantasy tropes out there I enjoy.
3. Elves, Dwarves, and other fantasy creatures -- Some readers cry "foul" and claim these races to be unoriginal, a theft of Tolkien's writings. I've read a few authors that put a spin on them, so they read differently than Tolkien's version. Either way, I like these races in my reading material.
2. The Chosen One -- Harry Potter. Percy Jackson. Buffy. Eragon. They're all cut from the same Chosen One cloth. I enjoy reading that trope, and apparently, a lot of other readers do, too. My theory is most readers live normal lives. Who doesn't want to spend some time on an exciting adventure with someone who can save the world? Who wouldn't want to live in this special person's skin for an hour or two?
1. Kick-butt heroines -- I always enjoy a story with a strong heroine who has an opinion, uses her head, and saves herself. After a bit of research, I was surprised to find readers had tired of this trope. I wonder why. It's better than the alternative, heroine-as-doormat.
What about your favorites? Share one of your favorite tropes in the comments below!
