Throwing A Twist On Famous Writing Tropes
Hi everyone! Here are some ways to throw a few twists on popular cliches that are so beloved, they are practically unavoidable at times, whether that’s a good or bad thing.
In terms of YA fiction, it is easier to name novels that have love triangles than ones without one. Here are some ways to change that up a bit.
Don’t have your character choose between them.
It is typically a girl and 2 boys. Change up the gender norm in this trope.
Let your character pick the wrong one.
Let one of them actually not be in love, but your character is in love with them while the other person actually does love your character.
If your character picks neither, have the 2 rejects become friends or maybe even date each other.
Characters With No Experience Are Better Than Experts
I understand if your fantasy character is suppose to probably have hidden powers they did not know about, but even if they are destined to be the greatest, it is unlikely that they can handle someone who has been doing what they can do for years.
Have your character lose several times.
Give the expert a reason as to why they might lose against the character with no experience.
Let your characters actually have experience before going into said situation.
Point out the motivations your character has that the expert does not.
Don’t make your character the greatest. Just because they can do it doesn’t mean they have to be the best. Or if they do, make is based on something more than just talent.
Sometimes, this is annoying. Sometimes, it’s adorable. If applying the word “hatred” loosely, and more so annoyance, Harry Potter’s Ron and Hermione make a great example, or even Peeta and Katniss from The Hunger Games.
Don’t have them actually hate each other. That can be a bit unrealistic.
Keep the bickering lighthearted.
Don’t make the hatred result in racist, sexist, or homophobic acts, or anything unforgivable. Not only is it unrealistic, but it is disrespectful.
Give reason as to why they hate each other, and not just because you want them to hate each other just so they can end up together later.
Let them go back and forth between “hatred” and romance.
The Ugly Beauty Queen & Good Looking Characters
For the cliche characters that don’t see their own beauty but everyone else does...
Make your character aware of their beauty. It’s not conceited to know you look good.
Don’t let your character be attractive. Average people exist.
Don’t let appearance be the sole reason we should like your character, especially the handsome badass guy.
Give your character physical strengths that are considered “unattractive” but it’s seen as beautiful.
Don’t make someone suddenly interested in your character once they go through a “big reveal” unless you intentionally want to show them as a jerk.
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