10 Common Fantasy Tropes (and How to Give Them a Fresh Twist)
Fantasy writers (and readers), we need to talk about tropes. Love them or hate them, common fantasy tropes are like the trusty spices in your kitchen—they’re always there, and when used right, they can add the perfect flavor to your dish story.
But overdo it, and, well...you get the point.
In this post, we’ll dive into some of the most common tropes in fantasy, how you can twist them to make them your own, and examples of where they’ve been done right.
Topics covered in this post:
What are common fantasy tropes and why do they matter?
What are common fantasy tropes, and why do they matter?
Tropes are recurring themes, characters, or plot devices that show up again and again in stories. Think of them as the familiar building blocks of the genre.
From "the chosen one" to "ancient prophecies," tropes are common in fantasy because they resonate with readers. They create a sense of familiarity—a shared language that makes the genre what it is.
But here’s the thing: just because a trope is common doesn’t mean it has to be boring. With a little creativity, you can take these familiar elements and give them a fresh twist.
And if you’re worldbuilding, a unique take on a trope can make your setting feel fresh and intriguing.
Psst! If you need help with this, check out our Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook.
10 common fantasy tropes
1. The chosen one
You know this one. The farm boy or orphan girl who turns out to be the only person who can save the world. It’s everywhere—from Frodo Baggins to Harry Potter.
How to twist it:
What if the "chosen one" doesn’t want the job and actively resists their destiny? (Think of Buffy Summers—reluctant but badass.)
Or maybe the prophecy was misinterpreted, and the real chosen one is someone unexpected—like the antagonist.
Examples:
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
2. Ancient prophecies
Every fantasy realm seems to have one. An old scroll, a cryptic poem…you know the drill.
How to twist it:
What if the prophecy was planted as misinformation by the villain?
Or what if it’s fulfilled in a completely unexpected way? (Think of Tyrion Lannister’s role in "Game of Thrones.")
💡 Tip: Include snippets of your world’s prophecy in your story to create intrigue—just don’t give it all away at once.
3. Good vs. evil
Black-and-white morality has dominated classic fantasy for decades, but readers today want nuance. Villains with tragic backstories and heroes with flaws are way more compelling.
How to twist it:
Create a villain who truly believes they’re the hero.
Show the cost of being a "good guy."
Examples & tips:
"The Witcher" series is a masterclass in moral ambiguity.
Think about your characters’ internal conflicts while fleshing out their arcs.
4. The wise mentor
From Gandalf to Dumbledore, the mentor is always there to guide the hero…and often meets a tragic end.
How to twist it:
What if the mentor is secretly working against the hero?
Or what if the mentor’s advice is outdated or flat-out wrong?
💡Tip: Use the "wise mentor" trope as an opportunity to explore intergenerational conflict. Maybe the hero’s world is too different from what the mentor experienced.
5. Magical artifacts
The enchanted sword, the cursed amulet…these are staples of fantasy. But they don’t have to be cliché.
How to twist it:
Make the artifact’s power come at a huge personal cost.
Or let the artifact have a will of its own, complicating things for the hero.
Examples:
The One Ring in The Lord of the Rings
If you’re developing magical objects for your story, try creating a backstory for the item. Our Magic Systems & Artifacts Workbook can help with this ⬇️.
6. The ragtag team of heroes
Every hero needs a squad. The misfit crew with clashing personalities is a fan favorite (and for good reason).
How to twist it:
What if the team falls apart mid-quest due to internal conflict?
Or what if one member is a spy for the villain?
Example:
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo nails this trope.
7. Forbidden love
Ah, romance that’s doomed from the start. Whether it’s a princess and a commoner or a human and an elf, this trope keeps readers turning pages.
How to twist it:
What if the couple’s love actually causes the downfall of the realm?
Or what if they don’t end up together, but their love still changes them?
Examples:
The "romantasy" genre loves this trope—think Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole, and A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
8. The ancient evil awakens
There’s always a slumbering force of darkness ready to wreak havoc, right?
How to twist it:
What if the "ancient evil" is actually misunderstood and not evil at all?
Or what if the hero unwittingly caused its awakening?
💡Tip: Tie the "ancient evil" into your hero’s personal stakes to make the conflict more compelling.
9. The hidden truth or inheritance
Sometimes the biggest secrets are hidden in plain sight. This trope often involves a hero discovering their royal lineage, magical abilities, or a family secret that changes everything.
How to twist it:
What if the hidden inheritance is something the hero doesn’t want, like a curse or an obligation?
Or what if the hero’s entire life was built on a lie, and uncovering the truth puts them in danger?
Examples & tips:
In The Priory of the Orange Tree, Ead Duryan discovers hidden truths about her lineage.
If you’re writing about secret inheritances, consider how it changes your character’s motivations. This could be a perfect opportunity to dive into character arcs.
10. The quest
The backbone of many fantasy stories, the quest sends heroes on a journey to find something of great value—a magical artifact, a kidnapped loved one, or even self-discovery.
How to twist it:
What if the goal of the quest changes halfway through the story?
Or what if the object they’re seeking turns out to be something intangible, like forgiveness or understanding?
Examples:
In The Hobbit, Bilbo’s quest for treasure becomes a journey of personal growth.
Mistakes to avoid when using common fantasy tropes
Overusing tropes without adding originality
Simply copying tropes as they are can make your story feel derivative or predictable. Without a unique twist, readers might lose interest quickly.Relying on stereotypes instead of depth
Leaning on shallow or clichéd character archetypes, like the damsel in distress or the evil sorcerer, can lead to one-dimensional characters that lack depth and relatability.Ignoring internal consistency
Introducing tropes that don’t align with your story’s established worldbuilding can break immersion. For instance, a sudden "chosen one" prophecy might feel forced if the concept of prophecy hasn’t been set up in your world.Using tropes as a crutch for poor storytelling
Depending too heavily on tropes to drive the narrative often results in weak plots. Tropes should enhance your story, not replace original ideas or well-developed arcs.Failing to adapt tropes to modern expectations
Readers today often expect complexity and subversion. Blindly sticking to traditional tropes like clear-cut good vs. evil can feel outdated unless you add nuance or a modern twist.
Wrapping it all up
Common fantasy tropes are only as tired as you let them be. By adding your unique spin, you can turn a familiar idea into something fresh and unforgettable.
And if you’re feeling stuck, remember that the best stories come from your own authentic experiences and imagination.
Need help fleshing out your world or characters? Download our Fantasy Worldbuilding Workbook (below ⬇️) and start building the fantasy realm of your dreams.
Happy writing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to avoid making tropes feel overused? The key to avoiding overused tropes is to combine them in unexpected ways or subvert them entirely. For instance, pairing the "chosen one" with "moral ambiguity" can create a hero who questions their role.
How can I create unique characters within common fantasy tropes? Focus on giving your characters distinct motivations, flaws, and backgrounds. Even a "wise mentor" can feel fresh if their wisdom stems from unconventional experiences.
Are there any tropes to avoid completely in fantasy writing? No trope needs to be avoided completely, but it’s wise to tread carefully with those that rely on stereotypes or lack originality. Always aim to add depth and nuance.
