Why do so many character combinations come in groups of three? Unlike love triangles, where the combo is primarily a way to build conflict, the characters in power trios all build on each other in some way. They might be foils for each other, but as complementary archetypes, they do far more to drive the… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: The Three Faces of Eve
Tag: tvtropes
Up to my elbows in book surgery
That’s probably the best term for what I’m doing with Heart of the Nebula right now. Basically, I let some of my darlings live, and they grew some extra limbs and started drooling acid without my realizing it. But now, I’ve put enough distance between myself and the first draft that I have no qualms about… Continue reading Up to my elbows in book surgery
Trope Tuesday: Hoist By His Own Petard
One of the most satisfying ways to defeat the villain is to have his own nefarious scheme bring about his downfall. In Hamlet, Shakespeare described this as “hoist by his own petard,” or blown up by his own bomb. Basically, it’s a self-deposing villain whose evil plans have gone horribly right. Not only is this a… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Hoist By His Own Petard
Trope Tuesday: The Cavalry
Things look bleak: the Big Bad is on the verge of conquering the world, and the heroes have gathered for one last stand. Just when it looks like all hope is lost, a horn sounds in the distance, and the cavalry arrive to save the day. Whether a ragtag bunch of minor characters, an army… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: The Cavalry
Trope Tuesday: Language of Love
Oh look! While traveling in distant lands, the hero met a girl–probably the chief’s daughter–and fell (or rather, stumbled) in love. The catch? Neither of them speak the same language. That’s okay, though: through the power of love, the two of them will somehow find a way to understand each other. Whether through touch, music,… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Language of Love
Trope Tuesday: Abduction is Love
In real life, abduction is an awful, violent thing that we hope would never happen to us or anyone we know. But in fiction, the Rule of Romantic can make abduction the basis of a wonderful, heartwarming love story…at least for some of us. This is actually a more common trope than you might think.… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Abduction is Love
Trope Tuesday: Chess Motifs
Chess is quite possibly the oldest, deepest, most well known and widely played board game in the world. It should come as no surprise, then, that it’s often used as a motif in works of fiction. The interesting thing is how well the pieces fit some of the classic character archetypes: The King is like… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Chess Motifs
Trope Tuesday: True Neutral
The True Neutral is something of an enigma. They generally take no side, either because they have moved beyond good and evil, or because they simply don’t see good and evil the way we do. Or because this isn’t their war and they just want to be left alone. Or…well, let’s get to it. From the… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: True Neutral
Trope Tuesday: Lawful Neutral
Unlike the Lawful Good, the Lawful Neutral has no qualms about committing heinous acts to maintain order. Whether for country, for position or for the preservation of the English language, these characters believe in law above all else, giving stern chase or sacrificing their own personal feelings to achieve it. From the easydamus character alignment page:… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Lawful Neutral
Trope Tuesday: Neutral Evil
Have you ever encountered a villain who you just hated? One who only cares about himself (or herself), who has no real loyalties and will sell out his friends, or even his master? One who treats people as means to an end, and will use whatever means necessary to achieve those ends? Chances are, that… Continue reading Trope Tuesday: Neutral Evil