Cliches and Tropes

chalcanthite	Cliches and Tropes
46,355 / 50,000 Official Participant Joined: Oct 26, 2009 Location: Switzerland Posts: 2 Posted on: Nov 4, 2009 - 03 59	Alright, so what are the cliches and tropes in fantasy that you think have been used and abused most often? What should you avoid? Do you find yourself writing in cliches unintentionally? Which make your ultimate list of "Cliches to Avoid Like the Plague"? I'm currently struggling with certain elements of my story which I feel are rather cliched, and I thought it might be cool to see what y'all have to say about cliches and tropes. =) ----------

Anezka	RE: Cliches and Tropes
40,608 / 50,000 Municipal Liaison Joined: Oct 22, 2007 Location: Leicester Posts: 76 Posted on: Nov 4, 2009 - 04 39	I've got a Polly Oliver, I'll admit. Or possibly she's a Samus is a Girl. Well, anyway, she's a woman disguised as a man in a patriarchal society. Yes, i know this is quite a cliche. But it wasn't her idea, it was her mum's, and it was so she could inherit her father's land and not have to marry some old geezer. And the gender thing isn't as significant as a theme in the story as slavery, freedom, and class. And secrets. Secrets is a major theme. It's even in the title. The General's Secret. And actually, there are two generals and at least three secrets, between these two, and several other secrets which other characters have. Even the Spymaster, who exposes some of the other characters secrets (in one case long after the MC already knows it) has his own secrets.

larelmian	RE: Cliches and Tropes
50,207 / 50,000 Official Participant Joined: Oct 25, 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 592 Posted on: Nov 4, 2009 - 06 57	Haven't we already covered this topic? Abhorred cliches: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3270981 We also have for your perusal: Beloved cliches: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3271685 Your novel's TVtropes: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/node/3278545 ---------- "What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf