The Best Fanfic Tropes and Why They Work So Well

Fanfiction is a wonderful world that is filled with endless possibilities for the imagination. It is a place where fans can explore their favorite characters, settings and plotlines in ways that they have always desired. The world of fanfiction is vast and diverse, with an infinite number of genres and tropes that keep fans coming back for more.

In this article, we will be exploring some of the best fanfic tropes and discussing why they work so well. From the classic "coffee shop AU" to the more obscure "time travel fix-it fic," we will take a look at what makes these tropes so popular among fans.

What are Fanfic Tropes?

Before we dive into the best fanfic tropes, it is important to first understand what they are. Tropes are common themes or storytelling devices that are used in literature, film, and other forms of media. In fanfiction, tropes can be used to create a specific atmosphere or to explore a particular aspect of a character or setting.

The use of tropes in fanfiction is essential because it allows writers to tap into their readers' pre-existing knowledge of a particular genre or storyline. This shared understanding between the writer and the reader allows the writer to set up expectations for the story to follow, which can then either be met or subverted in surprising ways.

The Best Fanfic Tropes

1. Coffee Shop AU

One of the most popular fanfic tropes of all time is the "coffee shop AU." This trope involves taking characters from a particular universe and placing them in a coffee shop setting, typically with a lot of coffee puns and witty banter involved.

The reason why this trope works so well is that it allows fans to see their favorite characters in a completely different setting than what they are used to. It also allows writers to explore different aspects of character relationships and dynamics that may not be present in the original source material.

2. Fix-It Fic

Another popular trope in fanfiction is the "fix-it fic." This trope involves taking a particular plotline or storyline from the original source material and "fixing" it in some way. This can involve changing a character's fate, rewriting an ending or even retelling the entire story in a way that is more satisfying to fans.

The reason why this trope works so well is that it allows fans to explore different possibilities that may not have been present in the original source material. As fans, we often find ourselves unsatisfied with certain aspects of our favorite stories and characters, and fix-it fics allow us to explore those frustrations in a creative and fulfilling way.

3. Alternate Universe

The "alternate universe" trope is another beloved fanfic staple. This trope involves taking characters from a particular universe and placing them in a completely different setting or time period. For example, a writer may take characters from Harry Potter and place them in a Game of Thrones-style fantasy world.

The reason why this trope works so well is that it allows fans to explore different aspects of their favorite characters and settings, while still maintaining a sense of familiarity. It also allows writers to explore different themes and ideas that may not have been present in the original source material.

4. Time Travel

The "time travel" trope is another popular fanfic device. This trope involves taking a character or characters and sending them back or forward in time, typically to fix some sort of problem or to prevent a tragedy from occurring.

The reason why this trope works so well is that it allows fans to explore different possibilities and "what-if" scenarios that may not have been present in the original source material. It also allows fans to revisit their favorite characters and settings in new and exciting ways, while still maintaining a sense of familiarity.

5. Crossover

The "crossover" trope is another fanfic favorite. This trope involves taking characters from two different universes and placing them together in a single story. For example, a writer may take characters from Naruto and place them in the world of Attack on Titan.

The reason why this trope works so well is that it allows fans to explore different combinations of characters and settings that they would not have been able to do otherwise. It also allows writers to explore different themes and ideas that may not have been present in either of the original source materials.

Conclusion

Fanfiction is a wonderful world that is filled with endless possibilities for the imagination. The use of tropes in fanfiction is essential because it allows writers to tap into their readers' pre-existing knowledge of a particular genre or storyline, which can then either be met or subverted in surprising ways.

In this article, we have explored some of the best fanfic tropes and discussed why they work so well. From the classic "coffee shop AU" to the more obscure "time travel fix-it fic," these tropes allow fans to explore different possibilities and "what-if" scenarios that may not have been present in the original source material.

So next time you're looking to dive into a new fanfic, consider checking out some of these beloved tropes, and see where your imagination takes you.

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