As a lover of fantasy fiction, I have always been fascinated by the magical worlds created by authors. From the hidden depths of the earth to the soaring heights of the skies, these stories transport us into a world where anything is possible. But what makes a fantasy novel truly captivating? In this article, I will explore five elements that can elevate your novel and make it stand out.
Introduction to Fantasy Fiction Tropes
Fantasy fiction is a genre that has been around for centuries. It has evolved from the myths and legends of ancient civilisations to the modern-day bestsellers of J.K. Rowling and George R.R. Martin. One of the reasons why fantasy fiction has remained so popular is due to the use of tropes.
Tropes are elements or devices commonly used in a genre or type of literature. In fantasy fiction, these tropes can include magical creatures, epic battles, and powerful wizards. However, some tropes are more specific to the genre, and it is these tropes that I will be exploring in this article.
See Top ten literary tropes and their common plot devices: A storyteller’s guide
Ancient Artifacts: The power of magical objects in fantasy fiction
One of the most common tropes in fantasy fiction is the use of ancient artefacts. These objects can be anything from powerful weapons to enchanted talismans. They have the power to change the course of the story and can be the key to defeating the villain.
Ancient artefacts can also add depth to a fantasy world. They can have a rich history and be tied to the world’s mythology. The discovery of an ancient artefact can drive the plot forward and reveal hidden secrets about the world.
However, it is important to use ancient artefacts sparingly. If they are overused, they can become cliché and lose their impact. They should also be tied to the story and not introduced solely for the sake of having a magical object in the story.
Secret heir to the throne: The captivating appeal of royal lineage
Another popular trope in fantasy fiction is the secret heir to the throne. This trope involves a character who is revealed to be the rightful ruler of a kingdom but has been hidden away for their own safety. They must overcome the challenges of claiming their birthright and defeating those who have taken the throne.
This trope is compelling because it involves the struggle for power and the fight for justice. It can also add layers to the world-building of the story. The history of the kingdom and the reasons for the heir’s hiding can provide depth to the world.
However, this trope can also be overused and become predictable. It is important to add unique elements to the trope and avoid falling into clichés. The character of the secret heir should also be well-developed and not solely defined by their royal lineage.
The Reluctant hero: A classic trope that never gets old
The reluctant hero is a classic trope used in many works of fiction, including fantasy novels. This trope involves a character unwilling to take on a heroic role but forced into it by circumstances beyond their control. They must overcome their doubts and fears to save the world.
This trope is compelling because it involves the development of the character. The reluctant hero must grow and change to become the hero they were meant to be. It can also add tension to the story as the hero struggles with their doubts and fears.
However, this trope can also become cliché if not handled well. Developing the hero’s character and making their reluctance believable is important. They should not simply become a hero overnight but should go through a journey of self-discovery.
Training sequence: The importance of character development through training
Another element that can elevate a fantasy novel is the use of a training sequence. This involves the hero undergoing a period of training to develop their skills and become more powerful. It can add depth to the character and show their growth throughout the story.
A training sequence can also add tension to the story. The hero may face challenges and obstacles during their training, and it can be a time of great danger. It can also reveal more about the world and the characters’ culture.
However, a training sequence can also become tedious if not handled well. It is crucial to keep the sequence interesting and relevant to the story. It should also not be too long and detract from the main plot.
Side quests: Adding depth and complexity to your fantasy world
Finally, side quests can add depth and complexity to a fantasy world. These quests involve the hero completing a task that may not be directly related to the main plot but add to the world-building of the story. It can include tasks such as finding a rare item or helping a character in need.
Side quests can add layers to a story and make the world feel more real. They can also provide opportunities for character development and reveal more about the world and its mythology.
However, side quests should not become the main focus of the story. They should be used sparingly and not take away from the main plot. They should also have a purpose and be relevant to the story.
How to use these elements effectively in your fantasy novel
Now that we have explored these enchanting elements, how can you use them effectively in your fantasy novel? The key is to use them sparingly and in a way that adds to the story. They should not be used solely for the sake of having them in the story.
When using these elements, adding your own unique spin to them is important. Avoid falling into clichés and add your own twist. This will make your story stand out from the rest.
Examples of successful usage of these tropes in popular fantasy books
Many popular fantasy books have successfully used these tropes in their stories. For example, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series uses the training sequence to great effect. Harry must undergo training to become a wizard and face challenges along the way.
George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series uses the secret heir to the throne trope. Jon Snow discovers that he is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne and must fight to claim it he wants it.
Avoiding clichés and incorporating your unique spin
As mentioned earlier, it is important to avoid falling into clichés when using these tropes. You can add your unique spin to the trope to do this. For example, if using the ancient artefact trope, you can create a unique artefact that has not been written about before.
You can also subvert the trope by having the character not follow the expected path. For example, the reluctant hero trope can be subverted by having the hero never fully embrace their heroic role.
In conclusion, these five elements can elevate your fantasy novel and make it stand out from the rest. When using these tropes, it is important to use them sparingly and add your unique spin. Avoid clichés and make your story stand out. With these elements, you can create a magical and captivating world that readers will love.
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