Cliches are like old friends that we rely on to give us comfort and familiarity. But when it comes to writing, cliches can be a double-edged sword. They can be helpful in establishing a common understanding between the writer and reader, but they can also be tiresome and make a story feel unoriginal.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common cliches in different genres of books, along with some examples.
Romance
Love is a timeless and universal theme that has been explored in countless romance novels. However, some of the most common cliches have become overused and predictable. One of the most common cliches in this genre is the love triangle. It involves a protagonist who is torn between two love interests, each with their unique and desirable qualities. For example, in Stephenie Meyer‘s “Twilight” series, Bella Swan is torn between the charming and romantic vampire Edward Cullen and the warm and protective werewolf Jacob Black.
Another cliche is the “meet-cute,” where the protagonist has an unusual or charming first encounter with their love interest. For example, in “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne, Lucy and Joshua, two co-workers who hate each other, end up in an elevator together and share a witty and flirtatious conversation.
Mystery
Mystery novels are designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats, and often rely on familiar cliches to create suspense and tension. One of the most common cliches in this genre is the “whodunit,” where a character or group of characters are suspects in a crime that needs to be solved. For example, in Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” detective Hercule Poirot investigates the murder of a wealthy passenger on a train and must sift through various suspects to uncover the killer.
Another cliche is the “locked room mystery,” where a crime is committed in a room with no apparent way in or out. For example, in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” detective C. Auguste Dupin investigates a brutal double murder that occurs in a locked room with no evidence of a perpetrator or weapon.
Science Fiction
Science fiction often deals with futuristic and imaginative concepts that push the boundaries of what we know. One of the most common cliches in this genre is the “chosen one,” where a protagonist is the only one who can save the world from a great evil. For example, in “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card, the young protagonist Ender Wiggin is believed to be the only one who can defeat an alien race known as the “Buggers.”
Another cliche is the “dystopian society,” where a society is controlled by a totalitarian government or has collapsed due to environmental or societal factors. For example, in Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games,” the nation of Panem is divided into 12 districts, each controlled by the Capitol, and is forced to participate in a brutal annual competition where teenagers fight to the death.
Fantasy
Fantasy often deals with magical and mythical concepts that transport readers to fantastical worlds. One of the most common cliches in this genre is the “hero’s journey,” where a protagonist embarks on a quest to defeat an evil force and save the world. For example, in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” Frodo Baggins must embark on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and defeat the evil Sauron.
Another cliche is the “magical school,” where the protagonist attends a school of magic and learns to hone their magical abilities. For example, in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, Harry Potter attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and learns to master his magical powers while also uncovering secrets about his past and destiny.
Horror
Horror novels aim to terrify and unsettle readers with spine-chilling plots and unsettling themes. One of the most common cliches in this genre is the “haunted house,” where a protagonist moves into a house that is haunted by malevolent spirits or ghosts. For example, in Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House,” a group of characters moves into Hill House, which is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a previous owner.
Another cliche is the “psychological horror,” where the protagonist’s mind is manipulated or distorted by an external force. For example, in Stephen King’s “The Shining,” protagonist Jack Torrance becomes increasingly unstable and violent as he is influenced by supernatural forces within the hotel he and his family are staying at.
Historical Fiction
Historical fiction novels often take place in a specific time period and rely on familiar historical events to create a sense of authenticity. One of the most common cliches in this genre is the “star-crossed lovers,” where two characters from different social classes or backgrounds fall in love despite societal barriers. Another popular cliche is the “time travel,” where a character travels back in time to witness historical events.
Crime Thrillers
Crime thrillers are another popular genre that often relies on common tropes and cliches to create suspense and intrigue. One of the most common cliches in crime thrillers is the “hard-boiled detective” who is often a tough, loner cop or private investigator who solves crimes through unconventional means. For example, in Raymond Chandler’s “The Big Sleep,” private detective Philip Marlowe is a classic hard-boiled detective who is willing to break the law and use violence to get the information he needs.
Another common cliche is the “serial killer” plot, where a psychopathic killer is on the loose, and the protagonist must race against time to stop them before they strike again. While these cliches can be effective in creating tension and suspense, they can also be overused and lead to predictability in the plot. As a result, it’s important for crime thriller writers to find new and inventive ways to tell their stories while still delivering the twists and turns readers crave.
Young Adult
Young adult (YA) fiction is a popular genre that targets readers between the ages of 12 and 18. While many YA novels feature relatable characters and explore important themes like self-discovery, coming-of-age, and navigating complex relationships, some stories can also fall into the trap of presenting teenagers as if they are already fully-formed adults.
One of the most common cliches that can be seen in many YA novels where the teenage protagonists often possess a level of maturity and sophistication that goes beyond their age.
For example, in Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” series, the main character Bella is a high school student, but she is portrayed as having a deep understanding of love and relationships that goes beyond her years. This portrayal of teenagers as grown-ups can be problematic, as it can set unrealistic expectations for young readers and reinforce harmful stereotypes about adolescence.
Conclusion
While cliches can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to readers, they can also make a story feel unoriginal and predictable. As a writer, it’s essential to be aware of common cliches in your chosen genre and try to avoid them or put a fresh spin on them. By doing so, you can create a story that is engaging, original, and memorable.
Now that we’ve explored some of the most common cliches in different genres of literature, it’s important to remember that not all cliches are necessarily bad. Some cliches have become staples of their respective genres for a reason, as they provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to readers. However, it’s always good to be aware of these cliches and strive to avoid them or subvert them in new and interesting ways.
So, what do you think? Do you agree with the most common cliches we’ve discussed? Are there any cliches you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below!