Trope

A trope is a common theme, motif, or idea found in literature, art, or media. It can refer to a recognizable plot device, character type, or recurring concept that audiences instantly understand. Tropes help convey ideas quickly and can create expectations for how a story will unfold. For example, the "reluctant hero" or the "love triangle" are common tropes in many movies and books. While they can enhance storytelling, overusing tropes might make a narrative feel clichéd or predictable. In essence, tropes are tools creators use to connect with their audience through familiar patterns.