trope: a common theme, character type, or storytelling device that appears repeatedly in books, movies, and other media, or a figure of speech that uses words in a nonliteral way.
Some of the most popular and widely recognized tropes in romance and fantasy fiction:
- Enemies to Lovers: Characters start with mutual hatred but slowly develop deep romantic feelings.
- Fake Dating: Two characters pretend to be a couple for mutual benefit but end up falling in love.
- Friends to Lovers: Lifelong companions risk their existing bond to pursue a romantic relationship.
- Grumpy x Sunshine: An optimistic, cheerful character wins over a cynical, serious partner.
- Forced Proximity: Characters are stuck together due to circumstances, like sharing the only one bed.