“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”
Book tropes are the building blocks of so many of our favourite stories, from epic fantasies to heartfelt romances. These recurring themes, characters and plot devices shape the narratives we love – and sometimes the ones we can’t but help roll our eyes at. Whether it’s the classic ‘enemies-to-lovers romances’ or the overused ‘chosen one prophecy’ book tropes have a knack for making stories feel familiar, comforting or even infuriating. Join us today at What We Reading as we explore ten book tropes we secretly love (and hate), diving into why some tropes work so well and why others feel overdone. From popular book tropes to overused ones, let’s unpack what makes these story staples so irresistible to writers – and how they keep us turning the pages every time.
What Are Book Tropes?
Book tropes are recurring themes, character archetypes, or plot devices that appear across multiple stories and genres. They’re the familiar elements that give a sense of structure to storytelling, such as the ‘reluctant hero’, the ‘love triangle’ or the ‘found family’ dynamic. Tropes aren’t inherently good or bad – they’re simply the tools that authors use to create interesting narratives.
These patterns are popular because they resonate with readers. A well-executed trope can provide comfort, excitement or an emotional payoff, making a story feel both familiar and fresh. For example, the ‘enemies-to-lovers’ trope appeals to fans of romantic tension, whereas the ‘chosen one’ trope quenches our thirst for an epic journey and a personal triumph.
However, tropes can also be polarizing. Critics argue that some tropes become predictable or overused, making stories feel stale or derivative. For instance, a poorly handled ‘love triangle’ can feel forced, while an over-reliance on the ‘damsel in distress’ trope could be seen as outdated.
Despite the mixed reception, tropes are still essential to storytelling. They create a shared language between writers and readers, allowing authors to build on expectations or subvert them completely. Ultimately, whether a trope succeeds often hinges on how creatively it is used.
Book Tropes: Love Them Or Hate Them?
1. Enemies-to-Lovers
Why Readers Love It: The tension and banter between characters who start out as enemies creates an undeniable chemistry. Watching animosity turn into love is deeply satisfying and makes for a dramatic, emotionally charged journey.
Why Readers Hate It: Some find this trope unrealistic, especially when the reasons for the initial hatred feel shallow or contrived. It can also glamorise toxic dynamics if handled poorly.
Example: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a masterclass in this trope, with Elizabeth and Darcy’s transformation captivating readers for centuries.
2. The Chosen One
Why Readers Love It: The classic hero’s journey resonates across cultures. Watching an ordinary person discover their extraordinary destiny is inspiring and often includes thrilling moments of growth and triumph.
Why Readers Hate It: Critics argue this trope is overused, with many stories recycling the same predictable arcs. It can also overshadow supporting characters who may have had more interesting stories to tell.
Example: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling is a quintessential example, balancing the chosen one narrative with rich world-building.
3. The Love Triangle
Why Readers Love It: The love triangle adds emotional stakes and keeps readers guessing about which relationship will win out. It heightens the drama and keeps the pages turning.
Why Readers Hate It: Many feel it has also been overdone, especially in YA fiction, often making characters’ decisions feel unrealistic or forced.
Example: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins explores this trope with complexity through Katniss, Peeta and Gale.
4. Found Family
Why Readers Love It: This trope is heartwarming and empowering, demonstrating how family isn’t about blood – it’s about connection and loyalty. It resonates with readers who value friendships as deeply as familial bonds.
Why Readers Hate It: It can feel overly sentimental or repetitive when every character conveniently moulds into the new ‘family’ dynamic.
Example: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo features a band of misfits who form a compelling found family.
5. The Damsel In Distress
Why Readers Love It: In its classic form, this trope creates tension and establishes a rescue narrative that can be thrilling and heroic.
Why Readers Hate It: Many find it outdated and frustrating, perpetuating stereotypes about women as helpless and dependent on male saviours.
Example: Rapunzel in fairy tales often embodies this trope, though modern retellings such as Tangled subvert it.
6. Miscommunication
Why Readers Love It: Miscommunication keeps the plot moving, adding conflict and drama that feels true to life. It can create emotional depth when characters eventually clear the air.
Why Readers Hate It: Some see it as lazy storytelling, relying on contrived misunderstandings rather than authentic conflict.
Example: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare uses miscommunication to tragic effect, but some argue that it feels frustratingly avoidable.
7. The Mentor’s Death
Why Readers Love It: The mentor’s death often serves as a pivotal moment in the hero’s journey, forcing the protagonist to grow and take charge. It adds emotional weight to the story.
Why Readers Hate It: This trope can feel predictable, especially when the mentor’s role seems solely to die for the hero to grow.
Example: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien features Gandalf’s fall in Moria, though he does return later on.
8. Secret Royalty
Why Readers Love It: Discovering a hidden royal identity adds an element of surprise and wish fulfilment. It’s a classic fairy-tale rope that feels magical and empowering.
Why Readers Hate It: Some find it too fantastical or cliche, especially when the reveal feels unearned or tacked on.
Example: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot introduces Mia Thermopolis as an ordinary teenage girl turned royal heir.
9. Forbidden Love
Why Readers Love It: The stakes are higher when love is forbidden, whether due to family feuds, societal rules or other obstacles. The tension and heartbreak can help make the narrative more gripping.
Why Readers Hate It: If overdone, it can feel melodramatic or repetitive. Readers may also lose patience if the ‘forbidden’ aspect isn’t properly explained.
Example: Romeo and Juliet again is the quintessential forbidden love story.
10. The Prophesied Villain
Why Readers Love It: The idea of destiny shaping a character into a villain is fascinating, exploring themes of choice versus fate and moral complexity.
Why Readers Hate It: A story that leans too heavily on prophecy without giving characters agency can feel heavy-handed.
Example: The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan introduces Rand al’Thor as being prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, a figure destined to save the world but also potentially destroy it.
Why We Keep Coming Back To Book Tropes
Book tropes have an enduring appeal because they offer comfort and familiarity. Whether it’s the thrill of ‘enemies-to-lovers’ or the adventure of a ‘chosen one’ story, these recurring themes tap into universal emotions and storytelling traditions. They give readers a sense of what to expect whilst still leaving room for surprises. It’s like revisiting an old friend – you already know the basics, but each meet-up can reveal something new.
What keeps tropes fresh is how authors constantly find ways of reinventing them. A creative twist can transform even the most well-worn trope into something exciting and memorable. For example, the ‘love triangle’ trope may feel predictable in some stories, but authors exploring its emotional complexity or subverting expectations can bring new life into it. Similarly, adding diverse characters or unconventional settings can make classic tropes feel modern and timely.
It’s important to remember that book tropes aren’t inherently bad – it’s all about how they’re executed. A poorly written trope can feel lazy or cliche, however, a well-crafted one can evoke deep emotional responses and make a story unforgettable. Tropes serve as the foundation for storytelling; writers must build something original on top of it.
Ultimately, we keep returning to book tropes because they reflect our shared humanity. They remind us that no matter how different the details, the heart of every great story is something we can all relate to.
Check Out What Makes A Story Addictive
How Tropes Shape Our Reading Tastes
The tropes we love often play a big role in shaping our reading preferences. Readers drawn to ‘found family’ dynamics might gravitate towards heartwarming contemporary fiction or fantasy epics, whereas fans of ‘enemies-to-lovers’ are more likely to be found in the romance section. Tropes provide an emotional anchor, helping us to identify stories that align with our interests and evoke the feelings we crave from a good book.
Understanding your favourite tropes can also be a gateway to exploring new genres. For example, if you enjoy the ‘chosen one’ trope in fantasy, you could find similar appeal in historical fiction novels featuring underdog protagonists. Fans of ‘forbidden love’ in romance could branch out to thrillers or literary fiction with complex relationship dynamics.
If you’re looking to broaden your horizons and hone in on the themes or emotions you enjoy the most in stories, find recommendations incorporating those elements in a new genre. Platforms such as Goodreads or book blogs like ours here at What We Reading have an abundance of lists of trope-based suggestions across genres.
Tropes guide us toward books that resonate with us, making them an invaluable tool for unearthing stories we’ll cherish. Embracing the tropes you love – and exploring how they appear in unexpected places – is sure to lead to a richer, more varied reading experience.
Wrap Up
Book tropes are an essential part of storytelling, offering familiarity while also providing authors with a canvas to explore new ideas and emotions. Whether it’s the tension of a forbidden romance or the gut-wrenching death of a mentor, tropes shape how we experience stories and can even influence our reading preferences. While they can sometimes feel overused or predictable, it’s the creative execution that makes or breaks that.
By understanding the tropes you love, you can discover new genres and stories that align with your tastes, making your reading journey even more rewarding. So, embrace the tropes that resonate with you and don’t be afraid to explore how they appear in different settings!
Ready to dive deeper into your favourite tropes? Check out our curated lists or browse your favourite genre to uncover new books that put a fresh spin on the tropes you love!
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
