Writing Advice Roundup: Tropes
Tropes and clichés may seem like the same thing, but there’s a nuanced difference in how you handle them. A great way to leverage tropes is assembling them as characters for your story, and then mixing in a bit of character development to make them your own (see the How to Plot a Novel From Scratch link below).
Otherwise, don’t fret if you find that your unique and special characters are actually tried-and-true tropes. It could be a sign that you’re onto something, like you’re tapping into a common desire to see this sort of character in action. Here are some resources to help you figure out which tropes are worth keeping—and how to turn them into compelling characters.
Podcasts
Writing Excuses 9.50: Writing for the Enfranchised Reader
Writing Excuses 13.35: Cliché vs. Archetype
Writing Excuses 17.25: Archetypes, Ensembles, and Expectations
Articles
14 Popular Fantasy Tropes (and How to Revitalize Them)
11 Popular Romance Tropes—and How to Make Them New Again
Videos
Selling More and Sticking by Writing to Market with Chris Fox