Tropes
Have you ever noticed that there are certain things you like in your books or movie?
Trope (according to Merriam-Webster) is a common or overused theme or device. For example, in horror movies, the first noise in the attic was just the cat or it’s a jumpscare but not the killer/real villain. Here are a few common romance tropes that I’m familiar with. This is not a comprehensive list as tropes are always changing.
Enemies to Lovers: The main characters are on opposite sides of something, this could be simple as two competitors for a title or job, or as complicated they are enemies physically fighting until something starts to change their minds. Examples from movies would be Johnny Castle & Baby from Dirty Dancing, Leslie Knope & Ben Wyatt from Parks and Rec, and Han Solo & Princess Leia (Original trilogy don’t @ me).
Friends to Lovers: The main characters are friends or acquaintances but it evolves into something more. This can include elements such as time passing since the two have seen each other, major life events happen (death of a loved one, divorce, child, or death) or one of the characters gets a love interest. Examples from movies would be Jenna Rink and Matt from Thirteen Going on 30, Jamie and Dylan from Freinds With Benefits, Harry and Sally from When Harry Met Sally.
Love Triangles: There are two love interests for one of the main characters. This is the will they won’t they plot. Examples from movies would be Lucy, Peter, and Jack from While You Were Sleeping, Bella, Edward, and Jacob from the Twilight books/movies, Scarlett, Ashley, and Rhett from Gone With the Wind.
There Was Only One Bed: The two main characters who aren’t together yet end up in a situation where they have to share a bed. Examples from movies would be Anna and Declan from Leap Year, Ellie and Peter from It Happened One Night, Todd and Asha from Outsourced.
Arranged Marriage: The two characters are forced into marriage by parents or circumstances. Sometimes it’s the main characters and we watch the tension of them attempting to cohabitate or sometimes it’s the driving force getting the two main characters together. Example from a movie: Buttercup and Prince Humperdinck from The Princess Bride. It also appears in Game of Thrones several times.
Hates Everyone Except… (Also known as Tsundere in the anime/manga world): One of the main characters is grouchy or aloof with everyone except one or a very small handful of characters. This is the grumpy anti-hero and the not-grouchy love interest. This is a personal favorite trope. Examples from movies: Mr. Dracy and Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice. Belle and Beast from Beauty and Beast (okay there was a curse and such in there as but it fits), Kat and Patrick from 10 Things I hate about you.
I Want My Beloved To Be Happy: One character sacrifices their happiness for the other. This is the noble sacrifice, the ‘he didn’t take the money,’ she lies and says she doesn’t love her, or the ‘I never loved you’ - type moment. This trope ranges from high school misunderstands to walking away forever. Examples from movies: Aragorn and Arwen from Lord of the Rings. Mark and Juliet from Love Actually. Anya and Dmitri from Anastasia.
Fake Dating/Marriage/Engagement/Relationship: Characters pretend to be in some type of relationship for mutual gain. This trope can range from as complicated as a fake marriage for citizenship/make my parents happy to dating or as simple as getting another character’s attention. Examples from movies: Georges and Brontë from Green Card, Jesminder and Tony in Bend It Like Beckham, or Edward and Vivian from Pretty Woman.
Tropes can be simple, silly, sexy, and everything in between. Tropes are the things in movies, films, books, and TV shows that make you smile and enjoy the story. What are your favorite tropes?
