Top Ten Fantasy Tropes for Authors
In my quest (pun intended) for fantasy genre work, I love digging around for details on what makes fantasy authors and artists tick. Fantasy has been shaped over hundreds of years from mythology spanning continents, through to works of fiction by CS Lewis and JRR Tolkein. But what are the fantasy tropes that run through this genre we love? These are the top ten fantasy tropes for authors looking to embark on their epic journey in literature!
1. The Chosen One
It’s your Frodo, your Harry Potter… it’s protagonist who is destined to save the world, often with unique abilities or heritage. Often without the means to begin with, but as the story progresses they find out how to fulfil their moment of glory.
2. An Epic Quest
The characters are set a task they must fulfil, usually a journey that takes them across difficult terrain, meeting many unusual characters along the way. Culminating in the discovery, or retrieval of an artifact, or even the need to defeat an overwhelming foe. Either way, they are integral to an event that will change the world forever.
3. The classic battle of Good vs. Evil
Fantasy characters tend to show strong moral direction. Or the characters are intentionally morally vague and the reveal of their true intent will be a key plot turning point.
4. Magical Creatures
It’s your dragons, your elves, your oliphants and dementors! Fantasy books love including classic races and creatures, well established in fantasy lore. Sometimes they like to add their own, but frequently they’re reminiscent of prior works. For example, may races that are used as “the dark lord’s forces” will often feel like the orcs of Sauron.
5. Hidden Personal History
The main characters in the story will often discover the reason they are at the focus of the plot is that they were born into this position. It may be for better or for worse. “I am your father”… “You’re a wizard Harry”…
6. The student – mentor relationship
Of all the fantasy tropes this is one of my favourites, the Yoda/Ben Kenobi, the Gandalf/Aragorn, The Dumbledore/Hagred. These characters help to inform the protagonist of their plight, and how they will overcome it. Without these characters the plot would flounder. It’s great when these characters come with a twist, with their own agenda.
7. The Prophecy
The future is destined, it just takes the main character to do their bit… There may be a moment where the character discovers their role in it, giving them the courage to complete their seemingly impossible task.
8. Parallel Worlds
Sometimes the characters have to act in one reality, to alter another. Back to the Future is a great example, with the fading photo. Or Stranger Things with the Upside Down.
9. The Rules of Magic
Possibly the most important thing to think about when writing high fantasy. Magic can be the making or the undoing of a plot. Defining the rules of magic is really important in fantasy books. A reader needs to be aware of the possibilities, rather than blindsided by a spell that will instantly solve their situation. It’s just not satisfying having a “from out of nowhere” moment.
10. Fellowship of Friends
Fantasy writers often utilise a group of friends all with their own quirks and abilities or… bungling qualities that add flavour to the story and support or hinder the protagonist.
Hi I’m Jamie!
I work on fantasy book covers for self published authors. I have had some great clients working on both established IPs and new settings. I’m always interested in hearing about more projects I might be needed on, so feel free to drop me an email to info@thenobleartist.com
If you’re looking for a fantasy artist, feel free to snoop through my illustration portfolio or head straight over to contact me for work. You’ll find my email address and some handy forms which guide you through some of the starting info I’ll need to be able to quote for you. Typically I’m booked up a month ahead of time, but do drop me a line if you have anything time sensitive. Sometimes I’m able to move things around in a pinch. Hope to hear from you! In the meantime, stay informed of my new work and availability and sign up for the mailing list.