Five Favorite Tropes

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Today we're talking about favorite tropes. What's a trope? According to LiteraryTerms.net, "The word trope can refer to any type of figure of speech, theme, image, character, or plot element that is used many times. Any kind of literary device or any specific example can be a trope."

My list of tropes I don't like would be much longer, but who wants to dwell on the negative? Here are five of my favorite, listed in no particular order.

Marriage of Convenience
Ahh, when two people must enter into a non-romantic marriage but you just know they will end up falling in love. I think part of the draw is the security and commitment—they're already married, after all. It's not a very healthy choice in real life, but it makes some fun fiction!
A book that does this well: "More Than Words Can Say" by Karen Witemeyer


Well-Developed Secondary Characters
Books are all about the characters, and if an author can make a whole cast of them sing, I am one happy reader. Of course the main point of view characters should get the most attention, but I like feeling fully immersed with other interesting people to get to know along the way.
A book that does this well: "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins


Turning A Disliked Character Into Someone To Root For
Sometimes there's a moment when you're reading a series and really kind of feeling the hate for one character, but all of a sudden you stop and say, "Wait, they have an interesting story. I bet they are going to be the main character for the next book!" And suddenly you like them.
A series that does this well: Wings Of The Nightingale by Sarah Sundin


The Pregnant Widow
While a nightmare situation in real life, you give me a story about a woman expecting a child who has just lost her husband and I am immediately intrigued. There's something so urgent about it, an immediate need unlike any other. I feel rather guilty for listing it, but it hooks me in every time.
A book that does this well: "Who I Am With You" by Robin Lee Hatcher


Delightful Small Towns
I am blessed to live in a delightful small town, so stories that can capture the magic—as well as the downfalls—of such locations are extra fun for me. Yes, I know the names of most employees at the local businesses, and I've probably taught them or their family member in school. It's all good! 😉
A series that does this well: The Mitford Novels by Jan Karon

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