This one is fairly typical of high fantasy, which usually take place on grand, epic scales.Įxample: Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game is set in an unspecified time of the future. It could be a century later, but no social, technological, political, or cultural developments seem to have occurred. When a novel or series covers a society through the ages - but that world seems to never change or progress. Knights and queens abound in medieval-style Westeros 7) The World That Never Progresses While the many subgenres of fantasy will all have their own tropes, here are a few worldbuilding conventions that you're bound to see more often than not. White follows young Wart and his mentor and educator, the old magician Merlyn. The Mentor often leaves before the big climax - whether they are killed, retire, or leave to carry out a job elsewhere - forcing the protagonist to stand on their own two feet.Įxample: The Sword in the Stone by T.H. Usually an elderly character who prepares the protagonist for whatever conflict they are facing. These sudden skills can be a byproduct of being the “Chosen One”- those skills might “run in their blood,” or the protagonist might have an inexplicable influx of energy and skill when their back is pushed against the wall.Įxample: In Phantom Menace, Anakin rides a starfighter for the first time - with enough control that he’s able to blow up a massive spaceship. Other times it’s presented in the form of a protagonist - who’s had a moderate amount of training - defeating the villain who has been honing their powers for years or decades (or even centuries). This sometimes manifests when a character who has never attempted a specific activity before is suddenly extremely talented at that specific skill. (Scroll down to the section on making tropes feel like new to see how this one is subverted.) 5) The Lucky Novice He spends the whole novel wanting to go back to his old life. Often, the Reluctant Hero is also the Chosen One.Įxample : In the urban fantasy Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, protagonist Richard Mayhew is involuntarily pulled into the “London Below,” a secret world located beneath the capital. Think of it as the difference between Frodo (who wishes to return to the Shire but knows a task must be completed) and Conan the Barbarian (who relishes the role of rough-hewn hero). They long to return to normal life and only continue on their quest out of obligation or necessity. The protagonist is thrust down the path of a story they don’t wish to be a part of. She leads an army of minions and refers to herself as the “Mistress of All Evil.” 4) The Reluctant Hero As opposed to anti-villains who are morally grey, the Evil Overlord is, well, pure evil.Įxample: In Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent’s castle is perched on a precarious and jagged mountain-top, looking over a land of darkness. The Evil Overlord is also often bent on world domination. Want to relive your fantasy-filled childhood? Check out the 60 best children's fantasy books right here, with classics from Lewis, Tolkien, Rowling, and more! 3) The Evil Overlordįire and brimstone, darkness and inhospitable lands, the Evil Overlord usually lives in a realm that reflects their wicked intentions, surrounded by their minions and followers. Found and raised by a fisherman, he eventually discovers his true identity. Lewis’ The Horse and His Boy, Shasta is a prince, kidnapped as an infant because he's been prophesied as the savior of Archenland. Maybe their mother had a summer fling with an undercover prince in her gap year.Įxample: In C.S. Perhaps they were switched at birth in some sort of hilarious misunderstanding. Maybe they lost their parents at a young age and were sent away for their own protection. Often, this character is raised on a farm or another humble situation that contrasts their true lineage. And for more heroes like HP, check out this list of other books like Harry Potter.) 2) The Secret HeirĪn orphan ends up being the long-lost scion to a royal throne. (Scroll down to the section on making tropes feel like new to see how this one is deconstructed. A character who is alone capable of fulfilling an important purpose, and whose responsibility is to resolve the plot’s main conflict - which will often be to save the world.Įxample: Harry Potter, who is literally called the Chosen One.
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