We haven’t played “count the tropes” for a while, so let’s look at post-Christmas romance Pickle-face and the Professor. For chance, this time instead of combing through tvtropes.org, let’s use the more concise list of tropes in The Trope Thesaurus by Jennifer Hilt.
What is a trope? The Trope Thesaurus gives a concise definition: “A trope establishes a predictable character, setting, or scenario.”
But, but then don’t tropes make a story stereotypical and cliché? Not when used right. Jennifer Hilt puts it this way:
I stopped thinking of tropes as end products and started thinking of them as raw materials that could create characters and increase conflict.
The answer was in the twist.
What if we were able to use the reader’s familiarity with tropes like a springboard to take us to more intriguing storytelling heights?
In the Romance genre (and thus in Erotic Romance), many tropes are common and beloved, especially “Enemies to Lovers,” used most famously in Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. Though first published in 1813 it has never gone out of print and still moves readers today. Tropes can springboard a plot, but can also be used to add depth to people places and things.
I purposely set out to write an enemies to lovers romance in Pickle-face and the Professor, so let’s start with that trope then look at others that might apply:
Enemies to lovers
“Two characters start off as enemies and over the story end up in a romantic relationship. These ‘enemies’ have to overcome their differences or misconceptions about each other and, in the process, fall in love.”
This is the central trope of the story. Allie and Ken start out hating each and by the end of the story have become lovers and plan to live together.
Forced proximity
“Any plot point that forces the two main characters to spend time together (whether they want to or not)”
When a tree crushes Ken’s cabin, he’s forced to share space with Ellie. With no electrical or cell phone, they’re forced to work together.
Stranded
“Often paired with and similar to forced proximity, the two main characters are trapped in a location and often must cooperate to survive or just put up with each other.”
When trees block the only road out and the electricity and cell service are cut, the characters become stranded.
Road trip
The setting is a group of cabins far from anything. So, while the characters aren’t traveling, they are far from home.
Opposites attract
Despite giving talks, writing books and making podcasts and videos, Ken is a quiet professorial introvert, which Allie likes. Allie seems to be outgoing, enjoys dancing to music, and being outdoors, and Ken is drawn to that. Ken struggles with being a cryptocurrency expert, while it’s only a hobby to Allie (so maybe she’s smarter?)
Riches to rags
Not a trope, but one of The Seven Basic Plots. Ken became wealthy from cryptocurrency, jet-setting around with his social media influencer girlfriend. He then lost his money in a crash, his girlfriend left him, and was reduced to sleeping on his sister’s couch. Possibly this all leads to a redemption trope where Ken rebuilds his life with Allie’s help.
Age difference
“Romantic relationships where there is a significant difference in age between the two main characters. Often depends on the social scandal between this age gap. Often used with an older man-younger woman”
Maybe, but not really. Ken is 38. Allie’s age is never stated, but Ken thinks she’s in her early thirties. Eight or nine years isn’t that significant.
Tropes are fun! Trope are useful!
Tropes are unavoidable in writing and are a handy tool for writers to craft better stories. Jennifer Hilt’s The Trope Thesaurus is more than just a reference: it explains tropes with examples from classic literature and popular movies and leads you through exercises of crafting stories in romance, thriller, mystery and other genres using tropes for people, places and things. Recommended.
Did I miss any romance or other tropes? The most obvious is what TVTropes calls Ugly on the Outside, though Allie isn’t ugly in any way except for her off-putting resting face.
If I missed other tropes, leave a comment and let me know!
Syleus Snow - Erotica Author 