What are book tropes and how are they different?

Reading is sexy and it’s coming back into style. Modern literature is gaining immense popularity and we are very happy about it. TikTok even has a separate trend called BookTok, where users share and discuss the books they’ve read. Many people choose their next read by following the paths found in books. What is it? We will tell you exactly that.

What are book tropes?

A plot structure, theme, plot line, character trait, motive, or plot device commonly used in a story. Book tropes serve as guides for readers; helps them navigate and interpret plot, characters, and themes. They create a sense of recognition and comfort because the target audience knows what to expect and can easily identify with the story. There are truly an endless number of such book tropes, but we will talk about the most basic of the different types.

Major book tropes

love triangle

The love triangle trope is often found in romance novels and young adult novels. It consists of the main character being torn between two romantic interests.

chosen one

This trope is most common in fantasy and science fiction, where the hero is believed to have special powers or is destined to save the world.

entry into adulthood

Popular in Young Adult novels, this trope explores a character’s journey from adolescence to adulthood and often touches on themes of self-discovery and identity.

redemption of the villain

This trope shows the antagonist characters’ path to redemption and personal growth.

My brother’s best friend

As you might expect, the trope is that the love interest is the best friend of the protagonist’s brother, usually the older one.

Billionaire

The love interest is insanely rich, and this may or may not be a secret at first.

Protection

The love line revolves around a bodyguard and the daughter of, for example, a princess or a high-ranking person. Of course they can’t be together, but fate doesn’t think so.

From hate to love

One of the most popular tropes in novels is from hate to love. At first the couple hate each other, argue, argue and even play dirty tricks on each other, but then they fall head over heels in love.

Forbidden love

Everything is clear here – the main characters should not be together.

From friendship to love

Love is initially just a friend of the protagonist, but over time their relationship becomes romantic.

a bed

This trope depicts the tense moment when characters are forced to share a bed, sometimes against their will. In such scenes, they think about their feelings for each other.

slow burn

Ah, the growing attraction, the bottom kisses you’re looking forward to – that’s what the slow burn trope is all about. Due to the slow pace of events, the main characters are given time to establish a foundation of trust between each other.

fake relationships

One character forces another to impersonate their partner, but the trick soon turns serious.

A harmonious marriage

In the beginning, there is no love between the couple, but as the characters get to know each other better, sparks begin to form between them.

Don’t misunderstand

Not everything is rosy in love stories. There must be a conflict that comes to a head towards the end of the book. This conflict often arises from a simple misunderstanding. This is a technique that many romance readers feel is overused.