Paranormal Tropes: A Guide for Writers
by Mary Kole | Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
Paranormal fiction is a genre that has exploded in popularity in the last two decades—and this includes paranormal tropes that readers have come to expect. It combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, and horror to create stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking. As with any genre, there are certain paranormal tropes that are commonly used and which easily mark a work as paranormal. Read on to find out what those are.
Cornerstone Paranormal Tropes
One of the most common tropes in paranormal fiction is the “I Used to Be Normal” origin story. This trope involves a character backstory that defines them as someone who was once living a normal life. Then something happens to change them and they become something else.
This could be anything from a vampire turning a human into one of their own, to a witch discovering his magical powers, to a human being bitten by a werewolf. This trope is often used at or before the inciting incident, or later as part of backstory, and explains why they are the way they are—and who they were before their change.
Sometimes they have some nostalgia for their old life, sometimes they think their new existence is awesome (until they, of course) run into some trouble.
Another popular trope is the Secret Identity. This trope involves a character who is hiding their true identity from the world. This could be a spellcaster who is trying to protect their loved ones from becoming collateral damage when their enemies attack, or a vampire who is trying to keep their true nature hidden from the humans around them—but maybe falls to temptation.
This trope is often used to add tension and suspense to a story, as the character must constantly be on guard to make sure their secret is not revealed, and that they don’t act out their paranormal nature.
The Antihero is another example of some popular paranormal tropes. This trope involves a character who is not necessarily a hero, but is still a protagonist. They may have questionable morals or methods, but they are still fighting for what they believe in. This trope is often used to add complexity to a story, as it allows readers to sympathize with a character who is not necessarily a squeaky clean person.
Paranormal fiction tends to like a bit of a bad boy or girl. Similarly, every hero or antihero needs a sidekick. These paranormal tropes involve a character who is loyal to the protagonist and helps them in their quest. This could be a vampire’s human companion, a witch’s familiar, or a werewolf’s packmate. This trope is often used to add depth to a story, as it allows readers to connect with a character who is not the main focus, but teases out some thematic elements.
Thematic Paranormal Tropes
Speaking of theme, Good vs Evil is another trope that is often used in paranormal fiction. This trope involves a battle between forces of good and evil, often with the protagonist representing the forces of good. This trope is often used to add excitement and drama to a story, as it allows readers to root for the protagonist as they fight against an overwhelming force.
Good vs Good is another of the seminal paranormal tropes, and this is a more interesting slant on the above. This trope involves a battle between two forces of good, often with the protagonist representing one side and the antagonist representing the other. This trope is often used to add complexity to a story, as it allows readers to sympathize with both sides of the conflict.
Love them or hate them, these are just some of the most popular paranormal tropes available to aspiring writers. Writers should be aware of these tropes and how they can be used effectively as they develop their own stories. By understanding these paranormal tropes and using them in creative ways, writers can create stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Flipping certain tropes on their heads will also lend your work some freshness in a crowded marketplace.
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