From brooding love interests to secret royal heirs, YA fiction thrives on its tropes. Some are comforting classics that we keep returning to, while others make us roll our eyes so hard we practically have whiplash. But whether we love them or hate them, we just can’t seem to escape them. Here’s a look at the most enduring—and most overused—YA tropes that keep us hooked (or grumbling into our pillows).
The Tropes We Love
1. The “Chosen One”
What it’s about: The protagonist is revealed to have some unique power or destiny that makes them the only one capable of saving the world.
Why we love it: There’s something irresistible about an underdog who rises to greatness. Whether it’s Harry Potter or Katniss Everdeen, watching someone realize their potential and embrace their role as the savior never gets old. It’s empowering and satisfying, even if it’s been done a thousand times.
2. Enemies to Lovers
What it’s about: Two characters start off as rivals or enemies, only to develop undeniable chemistry and fall for each other.
Why we love it: The slow burn! The tension! The banter! There’s nothing better than watching characters who can’t stand each other eventually admit their feelings. It’s one of the most classic tropes—and when done right (ahem, The Cruel Prince), it’s pure magic.
3. The Brooding Bad Boy
What it’s about: A dark, tortured soul who hides his feelings behind a tough exterior. He’s usually misunderstood, but with the right push (and a lot of emotional baggage), he’ll open up to the heroine.
Why we love it: Let’s be honest: we all love a bit of drama and angst. The brooding bad boy gives us just the right amount of intensity and emotional vulnerability to make our hearts race. Think of Edward Cullen, Damon Salvatore, or even Kaz Brekker. Who doesn’t love a character who’s an emotional wreck but still manages to be irresistible?
4. The “I’m Not Like Other Girls” Heroine
What it’s about: The protagonist is somehow set apart from other girls—she’s tough, independent, and totally not interested in typical “girly” things.
Why we love it: We’ve all been there, feeling like we don’t quite fit into the traditional mold. These heroines often stand out in a sea of typical YA love interests, and they’re empowering because they reject societal norms. Think of Tris from Divergent or Katsa from Graceling. Their strength and resilience resonate with readers who want to see a heroine who takes charge.
The Tropes We Hate
1. Love Triangles
What it’s about: The heroine is torn between two equally attractive love interests, one sweet and reliable, the other passionate and unpredictable.
Why we hate it: How many times do we need to see the same overused dynamic? Sure, love triangles can add tension, but often they feel forced, repetitive, and exhausting. We all know it’s going to end with one person heartbroken and the other victorious, so can we please retire this trope already? (*Side-eye to Twilight and The Hunger Games.)
2. The “Special Snowflake” Protagonist
What it’s about: The heroine (and sometimes the hero) is the only one who can save the world, even though they have zero experience and are often “average” or “unremarkable” at first.
Why we hate it: We’ve seen this one too many times. The “special snowflake” can feel like lazy writing when the protagonist is given untapped, unbeatable power out of nowhere. We get it, they’re special—but can they earn it? (Cough Twilight, The Selection).
3. The “I Have to Save the World All Alone” Trope
What it’s about: The protagonist decides that, for some reason, they must face the world-threatening danger alone, even though they have friends and allies.
Why we hate it: While it’s nice to see a hero step up, the “I must do this alone” narrative can get frustrating. Why does the protagonist insist on making every struggle harder by not accepting help? It often feels like an unnecessary obstacle and creates drama that’s more annoying than exciting.
4. The “Dystopia Where Everything Is Perfect Until It’s Not”
What it’s about: A seemingly perfect society is revealed to be deeply flawed or corrupt, usually through the eyes of a chosen protagonist.
Why we hate it: Dystopian YA novels are fun, but how many times can we read about societies with hidden dark sides? It feels like every dystopian book follows the same formula: utopia, secret rebellion, and the realization that the government is secretly evil. Yes, we get it—trust no one. But can we mix it up a little?
The Tropes We Can’t Escape (And Secretly Love)
1. The “I’m Just Doing This for You” Sacrifice
What it’s about: The hero or heroine must make a huge sacrifice (usually something deeply personal, like love or freedom) for the greater good.
Why we secretly love it: It’s cliche, sure, but it always gets us. Nothing pulls at our heartstrings like a selfless act, especially when it’s the protagonist putting everything on the line for others. It’s cheesy, but that doesn’t make it any less effective.
2. The “Hidden Royal” Trope
What it’s about: The protagonist discovers they are secretly royalty, heir to a throne, or tied to an ancient prophecy.
Why we secretly love it: Who doesn’t love the idea of being secretly special, of stepping into a life of power and intrigue? Whether it’s a hidden heir or an unexpected leader, this trope always brings the drama and the glamour we crave. See also: The Selection and Royal We.
3. The “Found Family” Trope
What it’s about: The protagonist’s journey leads them to find a group of misfits who become their new family, through loyalty, love, and shared struggles.
Why we secretly love it: Who doesn’t crave that tight-knit bond between characters who choose each other? The found family trope never fails to deliver warmth and emotional depth. Whether it’s the Shadowhunters or the crew from Six of Crows, this trope gives us the good kind of feels.
Why These Tropes Stick Around (Even When We Complain About Them)
- Comforting Repetition:
There’s a reason these tropes continue to appear: they work. They create familiar emotional beats that readers can rely on. They’re comforting, like slipping into your favorite sweater. - Emotional Investment:
We love the drama and tension that these tropes provide—whether it’s will they, won’t they or will the world be saved. We’re emotionally invested because we know the stakes. - They Push Boundaries (Sometimes):
Even though some tropes are predictable, many of them come with fresh twists or layers that keep things interesting. The “chosen one” trope, for example, is explored in ways that challenge power structures and dive deep into moral questions.
Honorable Mentions
- The “Love That Defies All Odds” Trope: Forbidden love, whether it’s Romeo and Juliet-style or tragic, impossible romance.
- The “Reluctant Hero” Trope: The hero doesn’t want the job, but fate forces them to take it.
- The “Powerful Villain with a Soft Spot” Trope: Villains who are surprisingly complex and human. (*Looking at you, Rhysand from ACOTAR.)
The Verdict on YA Tropes
While we may grumble about how often these tropes appear, there’s a reason they’ve endured: they work. YA books thrive on their emotional hooks, and these tropes are the threads that bind us to the characters, their struggles, and their journeys. Whether it’s the love triangle that makes us pull our hair out or the reluctant hero who rises to the occasion, we can’t help but love (and hate) them.
So, whether you’re diving into the latest Enemies-to-Lovers saga or sighing through another Hidden Royal reveal, you’re not alone—these tropes may be overdone, but they’re here to stay.
PS here are more YA fiction tropes that drive us crazy…
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