Clichés

Definition

Clichés are overused phrases, ideas, or expressions that have lost their originality and impact due to excessive repetition. In storytelling, relying on clichés can weaken a narrative, making it predictable and less engaging for the audience, especially in achieving a meaningful thematic resolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clichés often arise from the need for convenience in language, but they can dilute the emotional impact of a story and its themes.
2. Effective playwriting requires the avoidance of clichés to create relatable, authentic characters and situations that resonate with the audience.
3. Clichés can hinder thematic depth; original ideas can lead to more complex and thought-provoking resolutions.
4. In a competitive landscape where many stories are told, avoiding clichés helps writers stand out and maintain audience interest.
5. A strong thematic resolution often relies on fresh perspectives that challenge common clichés rather than reiterate them.

Review Questions

• How do clichés affect character development in storytelling?
  • Clichés can negatively impact character development by reducing characters to one-dimensional stereotypes. When characters embody clichés, they often lack depth and complexity, making it difficult for audiences to connect with them. This oversimplification detracts from the emotional engagement of the narrative and undermines the potential for thematic resolution since nuanced characters can convey deeper themes more effectively.
• Discuss how avoiding clichés can enhance the thematic resolution of a story.
  • Avoiding clichés allows playwrights to craft unique narratives that challenge audience expectations. By introducing original ideas and perspectives, writers can create thematic resolutions that provoke thought and invite deeper reflection. This freshness keeps the story engaging and memorable, allowing the audience to experience an authentic exploration of the themes rather than a recycled interpretation of familiar ideas.
• Evaluate the implications of using clichés in a play's thematic resolution, considering both audience perception and narrative impact.
  • Using clichés in a play's thematic resolution can lead to predictable outcomes that fail to resonate with audiences. When familiar phrases or ideas dominate the conclusion, it risks making the entire narrative feel unoriginal and uninspired. This approach can alienate viewers who seek innovative storytelling and fresh insights. Conversely, an intentional subversion of clichés may enhance engagement by challenging the audience's expectations and offering a more profound commentary on the themes presented throughout the play.

Related terms

Stereotypes: Simplified and generalized beliefs about a group of people or things, often leading to oversimplification in character development.

Tropes: Commonly recurring themes or motifs in storytelling that can be either fresh or clichéd depending on their execution.

Originality: The quality of being novel or unique in thought or expression, which is essential for creating impactful narratives that resonate with audiences.