Trope
The term “trope” refers to a word or expression used in a figurative sense. It can also refer to an overused person or movie theme. For example, if a boy liked to skip, a person would say, “Skipping is his trope.”
Unfortunately, people often use this term as a put-down, like a cliché, and reviewers love using it. The problem is that it is challenging for writers to develop new ideas, and there are only so many plot themes. For example, how many types of love stories are there? I can think of five, and if I wrote about #1, a critic would say, “Wealthy character A falls in love with disadvantaged character B. This is a standard love trope. Nothing new.” I would argue that there are fantastic films with this “trope,” like Titanic, Overboard, Pretty in Pink, and The Notebook.
Writing experts did not initially intend for ‘trope’ to be a put-down. It was supposed to be a technical writing term. For example, “In the third scene, there will be a love trope.” Simply another writing term. Still, critics are necessary in our society, and many works need a good bashing.
Do I wish the term trope would disappear? It would be nice if this term slipped back into the writing tool belt and out of critics’ headlines. With that in mind, I would appreciate it if you would not point out the trope in my article.
You’re the best -Bill
November 24, 2021 Updated April 13, 2026
Unfortunately, people often use this term as a put-down, like a cliché, and reviewers love using it. The problem is that it is challenging for writers to develop new ideas, and there are only so many plot themes. For example, how many types of love stories are there? I can think of five, and if I wrote about #1, a critic would say, “Wealthy character A falls in love with disadvantaged character B. This is a standard love trope. Nothing new.” I would argue that there are fantastic films with this “trope,” like Titanic, Overboard, Pretty in Pink, and The Notebook.
Writing experts did not initially intend for ‘trope’ to be a put-down. It was supposed to be a technical writing term. For example, “In the third scene, there will be a love trope.” Simply another writing term. Still, critics are necessary in our society, and many works need a good bashing.
Do I wish the term trope would disappear? It would be nice if this term slipped back into the writing tool belt and out of critics’ headlines. With that in mind, I would appreciate it if you would not point out the trope in my article.
You’re the best -Bill
November 24, 2021 Updated April 13, 2026
