Narrative tropes

Definition

Narrative tropes are common themes, motifs, or devices that are used repeatedly in storytelling to convey particular ideas or emotions. They help shape the audience's expectations and can enhance the storytelling by adding layers of meaning or creating familiarity. Tropes can be both plot-based, such as 'the hero's journey,' or character-based, like 'the reluctant hero,' and are crucial for building connections with the audience through established conventions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Narrative tropes can create a sense of familiarity for the audience, making it easier for them to connect with the story and its characters.
2. Some popular narrative tropes include 'love triangles,' 'the chosen one,' and 'the mentor,' each serving to convey specific themes and character dynamics.
3. Using tropes effectively can help writers play with audience expectations; for example, subverting a common trope can lead to surprising plot twists.
4. Tropes are not inherently negative; they can be used creatively to explore new angles or deeper meanings in familiar stories.
5. In episodic dramas, consistent use of certain narrative tropes can help establish a show's identity and keep viewers engaged over time.

Review Questions

• How do narrative tropes help shape audience expectations in storytelling?
  • Narrative tropes provide familiar frameworks that guide audience expectations by establishing patterns that they recognize. When a writer employs a common trope, such as 'the hero's journey,' it allows viewers to anticipate certain developments based on previous experiences with similar narratives. This familiarity helps create emotional connections and engages the audience more deeply in the story as they navigate through recognizable themes and character arcs.
• Analyze how subverting common narrative tropes can lead to effective plot twists in episodic dramas.
  • Subverting common narrative tropes involves turning familiar themes or character roles on their heads, which can create unexpected plot twists that surprise the audience. For instance, if a story typically portrays a mentor as wise and benevolent, flipping this trope to reveal a manipulative mentor can lead to shocking revelations that shift the entire narrative's direction. This technique keeps viewers invested by challenging their assumptions and prompting them to rethink previous events.
• Evaluate the role of narrative tropes in establishing a show's identity within episodic drama series and their impact on viewer engagement.
  • Narrative tropes play a significant role in establishing a show's identity by creating consistent themes and character archetypes that resonate with viewers. By employing familiar tropes, such as 'the anti-hero' or 'the ensemble cast,' shows can carve out their unique niche while still connecting with audience expectations. This balance between familiarity and innovation enhances viewer engagement, as audiences are drawn in by recognizable elements but remain intrigued by how these tropes are explored or redefined throughout the series.

Related terms

Plot twist: A sudden and unexpected change in the direction or outcome of the narrative, often challenging the audience’s assumptions and altering the perception of earlier events.

Archetype: A typical example of a character or theme that recurs across different stories, serving as a universal symbol that resonates with audiences.

Foreshadowing: A literary device that gives hints or clues about what will happen later in the story, creating suspense and preparing the audience for future events.