Deconstructing the Overused Anime Trope: How to Make it Fresh and Original in Your Next Project

Introduction

When it comes to creating an engaging anime, tropes can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they provide a familiar narrative structure for audiences to latch onto. On the other hand, their overuse can make a story feel stale and unoriginal. In this post, we’ll explore how to deconstruct these overused anime tropes and create fresh, original content.

Understanding Overused Anime Tropes

Before we dive into solutions, it’s essential to understand what makes a trope “overused.” A trope is a common narrative device that has been used repeatedly in various forms of media. While some tropes are timeless and continue to be effective, others have become clichés and can detract from the overall quality of a story.

One example of an overused anime trope is the “Chosen One” archetype. This trope typically involves a hero who is destined to save the world or achieve some other grand feat. While this concept has been used in many successful stories, it’s also become so familiar that audiences often expect a certain outcome without being fully invested in the story.

Deconstructing Overused Tropes

To make an overused trope fresh and original, you must first understand what makes it work. In the case of the “Chosen One” archetype, its appeal lies in its relatability to human experiences. People often feel like they are destined for something greater than themselves, whether that’s saving the world or achieving success.

To deconstruct this trope, consider adding a twist that challenges the audience’s expectations. For example, what if the chosen one is not actually special at all? What if their destiny is simply a result of circumstance and coincidence?

Another way to deconstruct overused tropes is to subvert them entirely. This can be done by creating a character who defies the typical “chosen one” mold or by introducing a twist that turns the audience’s expectations on their head.

Practical Examples

Let’s take the example of the popular anime series, Attack on Titan. In this series, the main protagonist, Eren Yeager, is not your typical chosen one. He’s driven by rage and a desire for revenge rather than a sense of destiny or duty. This twist makes his character more relatable and human.

Another example is the anime series, Death Note. The main protagonist, Light Yagami, is not a traditional hero who saves the world. Instead, he uses a powerful notebook to eliminate criminals, which raises questions about morality and justice.

Conclusion

Deconstructing overused anime tropes requires understanding what makes them work in the first place. By adding twists or subverting expectations, you can create fresh and original content that engages audiences. Remember, the key is to understand the underlying appeal of a trope and then challenge those expectations in unexpected ways.