Screenwriting is an art form based on storytelling conventions. While originality is essential in any art form, certain screenwriting tropes have endured for years. The reasons for this vary, but these tropes typically establish tone, build tension, and craft a compelling narrative.
Think of a trope as a general outline for crafting a narrative. While there isn’t a specific bullet point for writing decisions to follow, it’s more or less a general structure seen across countless movies. Thus, it’s beneficial for writers to understand and adequately employ. Therefore, let’s discuss five classic tropes and how to utilize them.
Still from 'Heat' (1995). Photo credit: IMDb
1. The Hero’s Journey
The hero’s journey, a versatile writing trope that spans every genre, is a source of inspiration for many. From the poignant drama of Moonlight to the epic scale of Star Wars, this trope allows our hero to embark on an adventure, learn or win something, and return home transformed, offering endless possibilities for storytelling.
Tips
Personalize the journey by avoiding making your hero’s journey feel formulaic. Give your protagonist a unique internal conflict that drives the story. Remember, characters are what make a great screenplay!
You could shift the traditional hero structure by making a secondary character the true hero to subvert expectations and leave the audience guessing.
Lastly, use writing tropes as a framework and not a formula. Countless films follow the Hero’s Journey but innovate with unique settings and conflicts.
2. The Love Triangle
Who doesn’t love a good love triangle? The love triangle is a classic trope in which three characters are caught in a romantic conflict for countless reasons. The story can involve unrequited love, betrayal, or difficult choices that tie these three characters together. The love triangle is a staple in romance films, but many utilize it in action, fantasy, and drama.
Tips
Character development is key in the Love Triangle trope. It's crucial to ensure all characters are fully developed, as it’s easy for a love triangle to fall flat if one of the romantic interests exists solely to be rejected. Remember, your characters are more than a plot device-they are the heart of your story, and their growth and choices will keep your audience engaged and invested.
Raise the stakes by choosing between two love interests that reflect the protagonist’s personal growth or thematic conflict. Whatever causes more tension is the route you should go with.
Subvert expectations and go with a story that isn’t predictable for an audience. Plenty of themes are worth choosing over love, which can be just as compelling as romantic fulfillment.
3. The Mentor Figure
The Mentor Figure is a self-explanatory trope that revolves around a wise, often older character who guides the protagonist. Yoda in Star Wars is the most apparent answer writers point to, but characters like Dumbledore from Harry Potter or Doc Brown from Back to the Future work, too.
Tips
Give the mentor flaws since a perfect mentor is less interesting and pointless. For example, in the 2014 film 'Whiplash', Terence Fletcher’s harsh teaching methods blur the line between guidance and abuse, making it challenging to feel one way about the character.
Let the mentor evolve throughout the film, even if there’s no massive change within the story. The best mentor figure stories allow the mentor to learn just as much from the protagonist as the protagonist does from them.
Consider unconventional mentors, as the best mentors are unexpected. Consider utilizing a reluctant or antagonistic guide, such as a film like 'Kill Bill (2003)'. This can lead to interesting writing elements and help craft a compelling story.
4. The “One Last Job” Story
The One Last Job story structure revolves around a former criminal or mercenary planning to leave the game after one final, dangerous job. Films like 'Heat (1995)', 'Inception (2010)', and 'Ocean’s Eleven (2001)' except at this trope, while plenty of 1980s action flicks fall under this umbrella too.
Tips
Give the protagonist a strong reason to leave since it should be impossible for your character to take this last job. Common examples around family, redemption, or personal stakes should make their goal compelling; there’s plenty to utilize for your story.
Make failure a real possibility because tension remains high if the audience believes the character could fail or die. No one will feel invested in the last job if there isn’t a possibility of failure or death.
Subvert expectations, and don’t let the story feel safe. Instead of a smooth heist, what if the character realizes they don’t want to leave their life behind? This internal conflict, forced by external needs, will create a compelling and engaging story.
5. The Fake Relationship
Are those two dating? Or are they just friends? The Fake Relationship Trope involves two characters pretending to be romantically involved for mutual benefit but later developing real feelings. Classic cinema. A recent example is 2023’s 'Anyone but You'
Tips
Give the characters a reason to pretend to be in a fake relationship. If the premise isn't plausible, no one will want to watch it.
Authentic chemistry is the cornerstone of the Fake Relationship trope. The basis of the film's appeal will revolve around your two central characters, and the transition from fake to real romance should feel organic rather than forced. This authenticity will help your audience feel emotionally connected to the characters and their journey.
Add unique stakes so there are plenty of obstacles for these characters to overcome throughout the story. How do the characters' personal growth and conflict complicate their relationships?
Final Thoughts
Writing tropes are there for us to develop our scripts within a framework that works. However, these tropes shouldn’t be a rigid rule system but an example of creativity. By utilizing character development, conflict, and tricking the audience, screenwriting tropes can enhance our writing rather than craft predictability or inauthenticity. Whether you’re writing a timeless romance, a complex sci-fi story, or a thrilling action flick, knowing how to wield these tropes effectively can elevate your storytelling.