when a trope goes too far: how to spot and fix clichés in your writing

Tropes are powerful. They’re familiar story beats that help readers emotionally connect to your characters and plot.

But what happens when those beloved tropes cross the line? What happens when they stop feeling satisfying—and start feeling predictable?

That’s when a trope slips into cliché.

In today’s post, we’ll talk about what makes a story element feel cliché, how to spot those moments in your own writing, and—most importantly—how to rewrite them into stronger, more compelling scenes.

Let’s dig in.

what is a cliché, exactly?

A cliché is a phrase, character, plot point, or situation that’s been overused to the point where it’s lost all emotional impact.

Whereas tropes are tools, clichés are shortcuts. They often rely on surface-level emotion rather than deep character work or thoughtful storytelling.

common clichés in fiction

You’ve probably seen (or written!) at least one of these:

• “She let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.”

• The villain who monologues all their plans just before being defeated

• Love triangles where one love interest is clearly just a plot device

• The “Chosen One” who gains powers instantly and never fails

• The makeover that “fixes” the protagonist’s life

• The perfect best friend whose only job is to support the hero

• Couples who fall in love after one sarcastic argument and a single kiss

  
  

These moments aren’t inherently bad—but when they lack depth, originality, or emotional nuance, they risk feeling hollow.

how to identify clichés in your own writing

Here are a few red flags:

• You’ve read the line or scene before... a hundred times. If it sounds like it belongs in any book or movie—not your story—take a closer look.

• It’s too easy or convenient. If a plot point or emotional breakthrough feels unearned, that might be a sign it’s relying on cliché instead of character-driven logic.

• You can predict the ending before the scene starts. If you (or your beta readers) know exactly what’s coming, it may be a sign that the story beat needs a twist or more emotional depth.

• The characters are playing roles, not acting like people. Cardboard characters who exist to fill a trope (the snarky best friend, the brooding bad boy, the quirky girl) need reworking. Ask: what makes this character different?

  
  

how to rewrite a cliché into something stronger

• Ground it in character. Start by asking why this moment matters to your character specifically. Make the action or emotion personal to them, not just the plot.

• Change the context. Sometimes flipping the setting or circumstances can breathe new life into a stale moment. What does the cliché look like in a different genre, culture, or situation?

• Add subtext or surprise. Avoid delivering exactly what the reader expects. Add a twist, an unexpected reaction, or a deeper layer of meaning.

• Use vivid language. Swap the generic line (“She let out a breath...”) for something more specific and sensory. Focus on what’s really happening in her body and mind.

• Ask yourself: Have I earned this moment? Especially in emotional scenes, check that your story has laid the groundwork. Clichés often appear when we rush to hit a beat without the buildup.

  
  

what readers really mean when they say “this feels cliché”

They don’t necessarily mean they’ve seen this idea before. They mean they’ve seen it without heart.

They want to feel something. They want a fresh take, a surprise, or a deeper layer. When a reader says, “This feels cliché,” what they’re really saying is:

“I wanted to care, but this didn’t make me feel anything.”

Your job isn’t to avoid every familiar story beat. Your job is to make the familiar feel meaningful.

Tropes are your allies. Clichés are what happen when you forget why you’re using them.

So take a second look at those “predictable” scenes. With just a few thoughtful edits, they can become powerful moments that reflect your voice, your characters, and your story’s soul.

Coming next: I’ll share before-and-after examples of cliché scenes and how to rewrite them. Stay tuned!