What is a Trope? Definition and Examples of Tropes in Writing

Ever found yourself lost in a story, feeling like you’ve met a familiar hero, unraveled a similar twisted mystery, or witnessed a perilous journey that rings a bell? That sense of recognition comes from tropes and genre conventions—two key elements that shape fiction across genres. Whether you’re writing fantasy, romance, science fiction, or mystery, tropes and conventions help set expectations for your readers.

But what exactly is a trope in writing, and how do you use tropes effectively without falling into clichés? In this post, we’ll break down the trope meaning, look at the definition and examples, and share tips for balancing originality with reader expectations. By the end, you’ll know how to master tropes and genre conventions to create stories that feel both familiar and fresh.

What are tropes and genre conventions?

At its core, a genre convention refers to the archetypes, settings, or key events that define a particular genre. Conventions signal to readers what kind of story they’re stepping into. For example, the investigative process is a must-have convention in crime or mystery fiction, while fantasy literature often includes magical objects or supernatural creatures. Romance readers often expect a happy-ever-after ending.

A trope, meanwhile, is a recognizable narrative trope or literary device that writers use to build those conventions. The word “trope” comes from the Greek word “tropos,” meaning “turn.” In literary terms, a trope is a word or phrase that implies something beyond its literal meaning, often used to convey figurative meaning, tone, or theme.

In everyday speech, we often use tropes without realizing it. For example, metaphor, simile, oxymoron, synecdoche, and metonymy are all types of tropes that help us use figurative language to add layers of meaning. A metaphor makes a comparison between two unlike things (“time is a thief”), while a synecdoche is a type of trope where a part is used to represent the whole (“all hands on deck”). These figures of speech are rhetorical devices, but in fiction writing, tropes can also refer to character tropes, plot devices, and familiar story beats.

In short, tropes are common patterns in storytelling that readers recognize. Used well, they enrich your story. Used too much, they can slip into cliché and feel like lazy writing.

What's the difference between tropes and clichés?

While the two are related, they aren’t the same thing. A trope is simply a recurring storytelling device, character type, or plot pattern. Tropes are familiar because they work—they tap into shared expectations that help readers quickly connect with a story. A cliché, on the other hand, happens when a trope (or phrase, image, or situation) is used so often that it feels predictable, stale, or uninspired.

For example, a trope like “forbidden love” can be fresh and compelling if you give it new stakes or an original twist. But if it’s written in the same way readers have seen a hundred times before, it slips into cliché territory.

In other words, tropes aren’t a bad thing in writing. They’re tools. It’s only the overuse of certain tropes without innovation or depth that turns them into clichés.

Literary trope examples

Tropes are often tied to particular genres, and readers expect them as part of the experience. Here are some examples of common tropes you’ve likely encountered:

• The Chosen One (fantasy): An ordinary hero discovers they’re destined for greatness, like Frodo Baggins.
• Forbidden Love (romance): Two characters fall for each other despite outside pressures keeping them apart.
• The Final Girl (horror): The last survivor who outsmarts or defeats the villain.
• The Amateur Sleuth (mystery): A curious outsider solving crimes, like Miss Marple.
• The Deadly Bioweapon (sci-fi): A scientific creation gone wrong, threatening humanity.

Tips for using tropes and genre conventions effectively

So how do you weave tropes in your writing without slipping into predictable storytelling? Here are four strategies:

Research and understand your genre

Every genre comes with specific tropes and conventions that readers expect. If you’re writing fantasy literature, readers look for magic systems and epic journeys. In romance, they may expect two characters navigating emotional conflict toward love. In sci-fi, readers anticipate futuristic settings and technology.

Immerse yourself in your chosen genre by reading widely, both classics and contemporary works. Notice which tropes feel fresh, and how authors balance convention with creativity. You might even keep a list of tropes that resonate with you!

Balance originality and convention

Tropes are sometimes dismissed as unoriginal, but the truth is, readers want both the familiar and the unexpected. The trick is to match the trope with your own original twist. Don’t alienate readers who love the genre. Respect the genre’s essence while bringing something new to the table.

Add a character with an unusual background or tweak the setting to something unexpected.  Aim to surprise and delight readers, not leave them scratching their heads in confusion. Consider what your readers love about the genre and build on that. Give them the motifs they expect, but don’t be afraid to add your distinctive flavor to them!

Subvert tropes to surprise your readers

One of the best ways to keep readers hooked is to take a familiar trope and flip it on its head. This is where tropes can transform from predictable patterns into memorable story moments.

Think about the damsel in distress trope. Instead of being rescued, what if she rescues herself, or even the hero? That subversion creates a fresh take. Or consider The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes, which reimagines the fake dating trope in a way that feels new and inclusive.

Subversion works best when you first establish the trope, then break the reader’s expectation. This way, the payoff feels deliberate and satisfying.

Be mindful of overuse

Many tropes are beloved, but overuse can wear them thin. If every fantasy novel features a prophecy, or every YA romance leans on a love triangle, readers may tune out. Tropes are often confused with clichés because of this repetition.

To avoid stale storytelling, experiment with combining different types of tropes or placing a familiar trope in an unexpected genre. For example, what if you used the “final girl” trope not in horror, but in a dystopian romance? These shifts give readers something both familiar and exciting.

Ready to master tropes in your writing?

From unexpected plot twists to relatable characters, tropes and genre conventions can captivate readers and keep them engaged until the very end. By understanding and using these literary elements, you can create endless possibilities for your stories. If you use the tips above, you can craft stories that are both familiar and fresh. And, if you want more genre-specific advice, be sure to check out our other posts on topics like fantasy, mystery, dystopian, and more!