S7E4 - Love Triangles

Across all forms of story, you can find similarities and themes. Plots have recognizable structures, main characters almost always fight for good in some way, and there is usually a change in status quo. Sometimes, though, those themes transform into tropes, whether good or bad. Tropes are devices or elements used in story-telling that become recognizable through their consistent use. Like any other literary device, tropes are tools. They are not inherently bad, nor inherently good. We are taking this month to talk about some of the more common tropes, what they are, how they can be used correctly, and why you should be aware they exist.

Happy Valentine's Day! This was the perfect opportunity to address one of the most common tropes across all genres. Love triangles are central to many Young Adult and Romance books, but it's often found in subplots of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and even Mystery and Action novels. Like any trope, there are ways to use it effectively and still leave your reader satisfied with the resolution.

First aired February 13, 2020.