Final part, 4 more tropes to go, let’s get into it!

Opposites Attract

This one is very similar to the Grumpy x Sunshine trope from a couple posts ago, but this is a little more vague and can be all kinds of different dynamics of relationships: City/Country, Tall/Short, Mischivous/Always Follows Rules, etc. I love these dynamics, but again, we need to pay attention to make these healthy relationships. I’m gonna give it the same rating as my Grumpy x Sunshine, a nice rounded 8/10 instead of a 7 because this one has more opportunity.

Villain to Love Interest

Correct me in the comments if I’m wrong, but isn’t this the definition of the “I can change him” trope? Like: “the villain’s hot and yeah they’ve done some bad things but like… I’m sure there’s good underneath?”

Not in terms of the Luke/Darth Vader dynamic from Star Wars, that’s a different story entirely.

So here’s my verdict. If there’s a protagonist who thinks they can ‘fix the villain’ and ruin their mental health over it, then that’s a problem and I don’t like that.

HOWEVER: If the villain realises they’re the villain and want to fix themselves and make the effort (kinda like Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice, he’s not a villain but he does become a better person of his own accord). That’s a better version of that trope.

I’m going to give this trope a solid 7/10.

Fake Dating

This is very similar to the “Marriage of Convenience” except it’s in the “lesser” stages, so to speak (you date before marriage, most of the time, right?).

I think this one also has an aspect of manipulation because people are trying to trick others that they’re dating but they’re not… I don’t know what to think about that.

I think I’m going to give this a little higher rating as the “Marriage of Convenience”, a nice 6/10. I don’t have a solid reason, this just feels right.

The Infamous One Bed Trope

ALRIGHT. The trope you’ve all probably been waiting for…

I think it’s funny that it’s taken such a big place in thte literary space. Everyone on the book/fandom side of the internet knows about this trope. And I find it more funny than anything else.

If I come across this trope in a book, I’ll close it for a second, start laughing, and tell myself “Oh of course it’s the one bed trope” before continuing to read. I think it’s hilarious.

So in terms of concept and in terms of what this trope means for a story? I don’t know how much it actually adds to a story, but probably I would give it a 7/10. Maybe 6.5. But in terms of funny, and in terms of the moment of laughter it gives me when I read, it’s an 11/10. You probably can’t change my mind.

And that’s all! Long list of tropes, I’m so glad you’ve read all the way to the end, and leave a comment below if I’ve missed any tropes in this four-part series!

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Life is a story. How will you write yours?

Until next time,

Catherine Khaperska