Why Genre Tropes Are Not Bad and Should Be Used in Your Writing
When you think of genre tropes in literature or even movies, you probably associate them with negative connotations. You say, “They’re formulaic, predictable, and unoriginal.” Don’t feel ashamed. I’ve definitely thought about this. But the truth is genre tropes serve a purpose and are not necessarily bad. In fact, they can add value to a story and make it more enjoyable for readers.
Genre tropes exist for a reason. They have established conventions that readers expect to see in a particular genre. For example, romance readers expect to see a love story with a happy ending. Mystery readers expect to see a crime and a detective trying to solve it.
These expectations don’t ruin the reading experience. Rather, they help readers choose books they will enjoy since they know what to expect from that genre.
Let’s look at some reasons why genre tropes are good to use in your writing
While readers and writers may view some tropes as overused or formulaic, they can also create compelling and memorable stories when used creatively. Here are some reasons why you should use genre tropes in your fiction:
#1 — Familiarity
One of the main reasons readers are drawn to genre fiction is because of the familiarity of the tropes and their conventions. Readers often enjoy the sense of comfort and predictability that comes with knowing what to expect in a particular genre. By using familiar tropes, writers can create a sense of connection with readers and draw them into the story.
#2 — Accessibility
Using genre tropes can also make your writing more accessible to a wider audience. By following established genre conventions or “rules,” you can make your story easier to understand and more appealing to readers who are looking for a particular type of book. This can be especially important for writers who are just starting out and are trying to build a loyal readership base.
#3 — Creative Challenge
While it’s true that some genre tropes are overused or predictable, using them can present a creative challenge for writers. By taking a familiar trope and putting a new twist on it or subverting reader expectations, writers can create unique and interesting stories that still satisfy readers’ desires for familiarity and predictability.
#4 — Genre Expectations
Genre fiction often has specific expectations. By using familiar tropes, writers can meet these expectations and give readers what they’re looking for in a particular type of story. This can be especially important for writers who are looking to build a career in genre fiction. They establish themselves as writers who can deliver on readers’ expectations. They can then experiment later on.
#5 — Cultural Significance
Many genre tropes have become culturally significant. By using these tropes in your writing, you can tap into these cultural touchstones and create stories that resonate with readers on a deeper level. This is especially true if it’s a genre you personally love and know the ins and outs of.
What are some of the most common genre tropes?
There are many genre tropes that are commonly used in fiction across various genres. Here are some of the most popular:
#1 — The Hero’s Journey
This trope involves a hero who sets out on a journey to defeat a villain or overcome an obstacle. They face several challenges and setbacks along the way. The hero often receives help from a mentor or sidekick and ultimately achieves their goal.
#2 — Love Triangle
This trope involves a romantic relationship between three characters, often where one person is torn between two love interests. Want to start a readership war? This is your go-to trope.
#3 — Coming of Age
This trope follows a character’s journey of self-discovery and growth, often during adolescence or young adulthood. Though there are plenty of amazing coming-of-age stories for adults.
#4 — The Chosen One
This trope includes a protagonist who is destined for greatness and has a special ability or destiny that sets them apart from others. While many industry professionals claim they are “over” this trope, it still proves to sell incredibly well.
#5 — The MacGuffin
This trope involves a plot device that drives the story forward, often an object or goal that characters must obtain or protect.
#6 — The Underdog
This trope includes a character or group that is at a disadvantage and is often against a more powerful opponent, but manages to overcome the odds and succeed.
#7 — The Femme Fatale
This trope includes a female character who uses her charm and sexuality to manipulate others and often plays a key role in the plot. A new wave of Femme Fatale stories is the “Good For Her” trope, which is often when a female character gets revenge on people who’ve done her wrong.
#8 — The Twist Ending
This trope is pretty self-explanatory but includes a surprise ending that changes the reader’s understanding of the entire book. It’s often revealed by a hidden plot twist or unexpected revelation.
#9 — The Unreliable Narrator
This trope includes a narrator or protagonist whose perspective cannot be trusted, mainly because of their mental state or motivations.
#10 — The Monster
Finally, this trope includes a terrifying or supernatural creature that threatens the protagonist or other characters and ultimately serves as a metaphor for deeper themes or ideas.
It’s possible for some genres to include two or more of these tropes, which is how you can spin them in your own way.
The benefits of using genre tropes in fiction
Genre tropes can subvert expectations and create a sense of surprise for readers. When a writer uses a well-known trope, they can play with the reader’s expectations and use it to create something new and unexpected.
For example, a horror novel may use the trope of a haunted house, but the writer can subvert expectations by creating a unique backstory for the house itself or by introducing a twist that the reader did not expect.
Genre tropes provide a framework for writers to work with. By having established conventions, writers have a starting point for their stories. They can use the tropes as a foundation and then build upon them to create something fresh and unique. This is especially helpful for new writers who may be unsure where to start when writing a novel.
Don’t be afraid to use a familiar genre trope to create a basic story structure. You can then change, alter, and mold it from there.
Genre tropes are also used to explore deeper themes and ideas. While we often see genre fiction as “light” or “fluffy,” it can actually be a powerful tool for working through complex issues. By using well-known tropes, writers can explore themes in a way that is accessible and relatable to readers. For example, a sci-fi novel can use the trope of time travel to explore the nature of existence and the consequences of our choices.
Genre tropes create a sense of community among readers. When readers have a love for a particular genre, they can connect over their shared experiences and expectations. Tropes provide a common language for readers to discuss and analyze books within that genre. This leads not only to a community feeling but an enthusiasm for reading.
Finally, genre tropes create a sense of nostalgia for readers. Many readers turn to genre fiction because it reminds them of their childhood or a particular time in their life.
While some readers and writers may view genre tropes as limiting or unoriginal, they can actually be a valuable tool for those looking to create compelling and engaging stories. By using familiar tropes, writers can connect with readers, meet genre expectations, and tap into shared cultural touchstones. By putting their own unique spin on these tropes, writers create stories that are both familiar and surprising, and that leave a lasting impression on readers.
How do you feel about genre tropes? Does your current project fall into any of the above lists? If so, are you worried or feel confident that you can tell a familiar genre trope in a new way?
