What is trope?

A trope is a commonly recurring literary and rhetorical device, motif, or cliché in creative works. It can be a shortcut for storytellers to convey meaning quickly and efficiently, drawing upon shared cultural understandings and expectations. Tropes can be used intentionally to subvert expectations or create new meanings.

Here are some key aspects of tropes:

• Recurring patterns: Tropes are recognizable elements that appear across various stories and media.
• Communicative shortcut: They provide a shorthand way to convey information or ideas.
• Cultural significance: Tropes often reflect cultural values, beliefs, and stereotypes.
• Subversion: Tropes can be used in unexpected ways to surprise or challenge audiences.

Examples of common tropes include:

• The "Chosen One" archetype.
• "Damsel in Distress" situation.
• "Love Triangle" plot device.
• "Red Herring" as a distraction.
• "Deus ex Machina" for a sudden resolution.