Fantasy Tropes

Enemies to Allies

Don’t we all love when enemies turn into lovers? But what if, instead of romance, adversaries fell into bromance? “Enemies to Allies” trope sees rivals teaming up against greater threats, their journey marked with dislike, mistrust, testing of boundaries and then gradual respect. One of the most compelling (and fun) tropes in any genre. Like Legolas and Gimli.

Fantastical Creatures

Dragons, phoenixes, griffins, wyverns, kitsune, djinn, merfolk, werewolves, centaurs, and so many more (some even created by authors, like Ents in LOTR). Need we explain further?

Found Family

“Found Family” is arguably the most prevalent trope in fantasy books. A hero never fights evil alone - they need a support system. That support system of trusted friends and dependable allies is called Found Family. Like Percy Jackson and his camp buddies.

Morally Grey Hero

Killing people is black. Saving people is white. Killing evil people to ultimately save good people is Morally Grey. This trope is defined by complex main characters who operate outside the conventional dichotomy of good-vs-evil. Morally grey heroes are also called “anti-heroes”. Like Kelsier in Mistborn.

Reluctant Hero

Stories where certain characters are forced by circumstance to become a hero and save the day, after initially avoiding or refusing such responsibility. Reluctant heroes are typically characters who do not seek glory, praise, or fame, and are mostly "ordinary people in extraordinary situations”. Like Frodo Baggins. 

The Chosen One

Sometimes heroes are made when they choose to lead the fight against evil. But other times, a hero is just “meant to be”. “The Chosen One” works as a narrative device where a protagonist is prophesied, fated, or uniquely qualified to resolve a major conflict. Fulfilment of one’s destiny and possessing special abilities are markers of stories with this trope. Like Harry Potter.

Training Moments

You know those training montages in films where the protagonist learns or hones their skills in a particular sport or activity while inspiring, rousing music plays in the background? The “Training Moments” trope is exactly that, just in books. Like Harry teaching Dumbledore’s Army defence against the Dark Arts.

Underdog Hero

There are some characters who do not have the makings of a hero and yet surprise everyone by rising to the occasion and saving the day. Usually unassuming, overlooked, ordinary, and perceived as weak, they overcome obstacles and overwhelming odds to fight (and ultimately beat) evil. Like Bilbo Baggins.