What is a book trope?

A book trope is a commonly used theme, plot device, character type, or literary device that is recognizable and often repeated in literature. Tropes can help to establish expectations for the reader and can be used as a shortcut to convey information or evoke certain emotions. Some common book tropes include "the hero's journey," "the love triangle," "the coming of age story," "the chosen one," and "the unreliable narrator." Tropes can be used to enhance a story or to subvert reader expectations, depending on how they are employed by the author. Many authors use tropes in their work as a way to engage with and comment on existing literary conventions.