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Serial Experiments Lain » Anime

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"It seems that there is a rumor in school that this is a prank. But I want you to know it's not."

This line is from an email sent to multiple students from Chisa Yomoda, a high school girl that recently committed suicide. "Chisa" says that she isn't truly dead, she just transferred her consciousness to the Wired, a virtual world mainly used for communication.

Fourteen-year-old Lain Iwakura isn't interested in the Wired or anything to do with computers. A quiet introvert, she has to practically be forced into social activities by her best friend, Alice Mizuki. It isn't until she's urged to check her email by Alice and the rest of her kind-of friends that Lain sees the mysterious message. Not only does "Chisa" claim to still be alive, she also says that God exists and that He lives in the Wired.

Her curiosity piqued, Lain has her tech-obsessed father buy her a new NAVI system. While Lain's mother and sister are both indifferent to her, her father is eager to help her out. He urges her to log onto the Wired, a sentiment underscored when "Chisa" leaves a similar message on Lain's classroom's blackboard. When she finally does enter the Wired to start searching for answers, everything Lain knows about herself, her family, the Wired, the world, and even God Himself will be upended by one undeniable truth: nothing and no one are what they seem.

Serial Experiments Lain is an anime original created by Yasuyuki Ueda and written by Chiaki J. Konaka. The characters were designed by Yoshitoshi ABe , and the animation was made by Triangle Staff with direction given by Ryutaro Nakamura. All 13 episodes of the series aired on TV Tokyo from July 1998 to September of that same year. The English release was originally handled by Geneon in 1999. When that company shut down, the series was left in limbo until Funimation rescued and re-released it in 2012.

Part cyberpunk , part psychological-horror, the series is famous within the anime community for its unconventional storytelling, surreal visuals, and stellar sound design. While there is a plot, any progression thereof is usually implied to be happening in the background, whereas the concepts the creators are exploring remain front and center. A lot of questions the series brings up as to its characters and setting is left up to the viewer, so expect plenty uses of "left up to interpretation" and variations thereof in the examples listed below.

This series provides examples of:

Adjective Noun Fred : The title of the series is formatted as "adjective noun name". The name used is the main character's, but what the "serial experiments" are is never directly addressed (at least not within the show itself).
Aerith and Bob : Lain, Alice, and Julie's names stick out in a cast full of otherwise normal Japanese names. There's also Karl, but he's implied to be German.
A God Am I : Masami Eiri believes himself to be God, having transcended his physical body and become one with the Wired (and, by extension, reality).
A.I. Is a Crapshoot : If one chooses to interpret Lain as an AI. She was created to merge reality into the Wired, but turns on "God" instead and chooses to erase herself rather than assimilate humanity into the Wired.
Alone in a Crowd : There are several times where Lain stands in one place while those around her go about their day, completely ignoring her.
all lowercase letters : the series' title is stylized like this.
The Alternet : The Wired is something like a giant chatroom or MMORPG where you can "see" other people. It's visually represented as a mass of swirling images and holograms or as a physical space that strange beings inhabit.
Animal Motifs : Lain often wears a bear pajama onesie.
Anime Theme Song : The song used for the anime's opening is "Duvet" by Bôa , notable for its forlorn lyrics and mellow, or even melancholic, atmosphere.
Artificial Human : Lain is some kind of artificial being that just so happens to look and (mostly) act human. Exactly what kind of artificial being she is is never made clear.
Ascend to a Higher Plane of Existence : Lain disappears from Earth after deleting herself from everybody's memories.
Aspect Montage : The Once an Episode opening scene establishes its city location by a montage of power lines, crowds crossing roads, and the familiar Japanese "don't walk" sign. The montage also links back to the opening narration before the theme song since the location and aspects of it are set in a relatively recognizable modern-day city.
Barbie Doll Anatomy : The God-like vision of Lain in the clouds is naked and smooth all over.
Big Bad : The self-proclaimed God of the Wired is trying to merge all of humanity's consciousness with the Wired and rule above them as a God. To this end, he created an artificial being that bridges the gap between reality and the Wired, and tries to urge said being to do his bidding.
Bittersweet Ending : Eiri is defeated, but Lain decides to reset the human world anyway by erasing her own presence. This means everything bad that happened thanks to Lain's existence and actions will be erased, but so will Alice's memories of Lain. Alice grows up to live a happy and peaceful life, as do most of the other characters, while Lain herself decides to be the barrier keeper between reality and the Wired.
Blood-Splattered Innocents : The incident in the club ends when the drugged up gunman shoots himself, with Lain getting splattered by some of his blood.
Body Horror : The God of the Wired's attempt to physically manifest is very grotesque; he's a mass of flesh, eyes, and a mouth. He grasps hold Lain and Alice with a fleshy tentacle-arm-thing, all while screaming and ranting in rage. Alice's reaction to this sight- mainly screaming bloody murder- is quite apt.
Boyish Short Hair : Lain keeps her hair short, the only exception being a chin-length clump of hair on the left side of her face.
Chisa implies that part of her motivation for committing suicide was so she could live within the Wired without having to think about a physical body.
As part of his plan to hook humanity up to the Wired directly, Eiri had his consciousnesses uploaded to the Wired shortly before his got himself ran over by a train.
Brainy Brunette : Lain has dark brown hair and reveals herself to be a very fast learner when it comes to understanding how to use, build, and modify computers.
Bright Is Not Good : Lain's neighborhood, school and most other places she visits in the real world are frequently bathed in a bright white light. The effect is more creepy than reassuring.
Caught with Your Pants Down : Alice is caught pleasuring herself by an alternative version of Lain, one who is far more callous and cruel than the Lain Alice knows.
Cheshire Cat Grin : One of Lain's alter-egos (frequently referred to as Evil Lain by fans) seems to wear a cruel, almost sadistic, grin at all times.
Clingy Jealous Girl : Myu-Myu gets very jealous when Taro gives Lain attention.
Clip Show : The first half of Layer 11 is essentially a recap clip-show, featuring almost no new animation at all besides some computer effects and effects achieved by filming the show's animation on a CRT screen.
Cool Code of Source : Lain apparently does all her hackery in Lisp. Specifically, she's implementing Conway's Game of Life, with code from the CMU AI repository.
Coolest Club Ever : Cyberia is a techno themed night club that's located at the bottom of an nondescript building.
Cooldown Hug : Alice enters Lain's house and finds a not-quite-there Lain talking about "connecting" everyone's consciousnesses. Her response is to make Lain feel her heartbeat to remind her of her body.
Cowboys and Indians : The online shooter game PHANTOMa gets crossed with a bunch of kids playing tag in the real world. PHANTOMa , and then there's Chisa, and to a certain extent Lain herself.-->
Creepy Crows : In the opening, Lain is surrounded by a group of crows.
Cyberpunk Is Techno : The equation of "cyberpunk = techno music" is played with within the show's soundtrack: the opening and ending themes are rock while the general background music is dark electronica, and whenever a scene takes place in the cyber night club, Cyberia, techno plays.
A Darker Me : Lain has two alter-egos that are both far more assertive than she is in the real world, but one of them is downright unhinged. Nicknamed Evil Lain, this version of Lain is cruel, sadistic, and doesn't have any regard for life.
Death Glare : In Layer 03, Lain glares at Taro when he suggests she go on a date with him. He quickly tries to play it off as joke . It's notable for being the first time Lain shows something akin to an active emotional response .
Digital Avatar : Most people have an avatar that they use when they're in the Wired. It's a sign of Lain's power that her avatar is herself.
Digitized Hacker : The God of the Wired turns out to be a rather nutty scientist who worked out how to upload himself onto the Wired.
Dirty Mind-Reading : Evil Lain doesn't just spy on Alice while she's masturbating , but is somehow able to see what she's fantasizing about.
Driven to Suicide : The man who starts shooting up Cyberia shoots himself after Lain tells him he "No matter where you go, everything is connected".
Drone of Dread : Images of power lines are often accompanied by an ominous humming sound, phone or data lines by a faint babble of voices. It's implied that Lain is the only one who hears it when she tells the voices to "shut up" in Layer 01, startling the man beside her on the train.
Dub-Induced Plot Hole : The Spanish dub changes the line said by one of The Men in Black to Lain from "...but I love you. Love is a strange emotion, isn't it?" to "...I can't help but feel pity for your fate. You are a very special young lady." This opens the question of how he could know about her fate when they're unwitting pawns who later die without understanding the situation .
Emotionless Girl : Lain is introverted to the point where she doesn't show any strong emotions, content to keep to herself. This becomes less the case after engaging with the Wired and developing alternate personalities: when Lain is possessed by her self from the Wired, she becomes more assertive, even snarky.
Empathic Environment : Including bleak grey skies, crows, and shadows that look like blood everywhere.
"End of the World" Special : At the end of the series, Lain decides to reset the world but without her existence.
Establishing Shot : The montage of traffic and phone lines that plays at the beginning of each episode establishes the city setting where Lain lives.
Eternal Prohibition : It's the near future, and yet on one hand, it is obvious that 10-year-old Taro is doing wrong every time he's drinking or smoking at Cyberia, and on the other hand, there are illegal future drugs like Accela.
Everyone Owns a Mac : Anyone who's anyone within the world of Lain owns some form of tech from the Tachibana Corporation. (Tachibana itself is loosely based on Apple .)
Lain almost gets run over by a car because of a failure in the citywide car guidance system. Considering that the first scene depicts someone uploading their consciousness to the internet by committing suicide, conventional electrical gadgets being connected to the internet isn't far-fetched by comparison.
The premise is basically this (minus the psychokinetic powers also present): human brains have electromagnetic vibrations in them as part of the neurons' functions. Planet Earth has ubiquitous electromagnetic resonance (called Schumann Resonance), which according to the series subtly affects the functions of the human brain. Thus, the Wired is really humanity's collective unconsciousness. Eiri's Protocol 7 manipulates the Schumann Resonance in a way that connects all people's minds subconsciously without necessarily even relying on machines, which naturally are also affected. Lain appears to be the first person capable of easily switching between the two, while Chisa and Eiri took one-way trips to the Wired.
Evil Twin : One of Lain's alternate personalities is a malicious being who derives pleasure from causing other people misery.
Evilutionary Biologist : Masami Eiri is an odd example, being a computer scientist who believes that humans have reached the pinnacle of evolution physically and that- in order to continue evolving to more perfect forms - humanity has to give up their bodies for a digital existence. To that end, he secretly puts code into the latest version of the protocol that controls the Wired that would connect humans together on a subconscious level through the network. He also created a physical body for Lain to aid in this effort .
Extreme Graphical Representation : As Lain's computer gets overgrown, the visuals it emits become less and less comprehensible.
Eye Motifs : Most people grounded in reality in the anime have fairly large pupils in relation to their irises. Lain's massive irises compared to her tiny pupils suggests much of her psyche is submerged in the Wired.
Facial Markings : The God of the Wired is depicted with a vertical red stripe on each of his cheeks.
Fake Memories : Lain's memories of her family life were all created so she wouldn't question who the strangers living in her house are.
Fantastic Drug : Accela is a powerful nanomachine-powered stimulant that causes Bullet Time , heightened senses, and delusional thoughts. It also seems to physically link the user to the Wired, and become susceptible to its more esoteric phenomena.
Feeling Your Heartbeat : Alice puts her hand on Lain's cheek, then puts Lain's hand over her own heart to try and remind Lain of her own humanity after she is nearly consumed by the Wired .
Fictional Videogame : PHANTOMa is an In-Universe multiplayer video game that's assecible through the Wired.
Five Rounds Rapid : When confronted with the Creepy Child in PHANTOMa , the player shoots her several times with a Finger Gun , not realizing it will have tragic consequences in the real world.
Layer 05 centers mostly around Mika and her Mind Rape by the Knights , with passages in which Lain engages in esoteric philosophical conversations with a Creepy Doll and phantom versions of her mom and dad.
Layer 09 contains a lot of Info Dump about the history and development of the Internet and the World Wide Web mixed in with scenes involving Lain trying to understand who or what she is exactly, which all leads up to The Reveal that the "God" Lain has been conversing with in the Wired is Masami Eiri. And he's decided to pay her a visit .
Layer 11 is split in half between being a budget saving recap episode and revealing that Lain isn't actually human, just some software given a human form .
Free-Range Children : Despite being in the eighth grade, nobody really seems to care what Lain and her classmates get up to at night, including her own parents .
Friendless Background : Downplayed, since Lain has friends, but she appears to have almost no actual connection to them except for Alice.
Gainax Ending : Comes off as a mild example. The series is chock-full of philosophical and technological esoterica that all plays a factor in the ending, meaning that anyone who isn't paying attention to that is going to be rather confused. The fact that it's also a somewhat Ambiguous Ending doesn't really help.
The Game Come to Life : The online shooter game PHANTOMa gets crossed with a bunch of kids playing tag in the real world. It goes very, very awry.
Gaslighting : One interpretation of what happens to Mika in Episode 5.
Genre Shift : Starts off as a technology focused J-horror story akin to something like Kairo , but gradually becomes a cyberpunk Conspiracy Thriller with strong elements of Psychological Horror .
Girls Love Stuffed Animals : Subverted. Lain pretty much ignores the collection on her windowsill and bed, and the former are usually lit from behind as creepy silhouettes.
God Is Evil : The God of the Wired is the Big Bad . Subverted as Eiri isn’t really God, Lain is.
God Is Good : Lain, when she resets the world to give everyone (especially Alice ) a happy ending.
Gory Discretion Shot : As said before, Lain vs. the gun-toting junkie.
Grand Inquisitor Scene : When The Men in Black take Lain to the Tachibana office in Layer 07. Eventually she gets fed up with their interrogation and decides to leave, and they don't stop her.
The Greys : A Grey appears as a mysterious vision, in an episode which also references the Roswell incident. It is referenced in other episodes as well. Unlike the usual nudist Greys, it is wearing a red and green striped sweater. In Layer 11, Lain is wearing the same sweater, and her limbs are greyed out, as she checks in on Alice.
Hacker Cave : Lain turns her room into one over time, completely with a wall of monitors .
Hacker Collective : The KNIGHTS are a group of mysterious hackers on The Wired. A list of them is eventually leaked online, leading many to commit suicide. Those who weren't were assassinated .
Mika , after the 5th episode.
Alice 's Heroic BSoD is what inspired Lain to Retcon herself out of existence .
Idiosyncratic Episode Naming : Episodes are called a layer and a two-digit number, for example the first episode is "layer 01". Each episode title is a single word of English.
Improbable Age : Taro is a Knight apprentice at the age of ten.
Infodump : The aptly named eleventh episode, "Infornography", is essentially a half-hour long infodump culminating in The Reveal of the show's villain , Masami Eiri.
Information Wants to Be Free : A central tenet of the Knights.
Informed Loner : Lain seems to be fairly popular at her school (at least many people know her by name) despite believing she has no friends.
Inside a Computer System : Pretty much the entire soul and fiber of the story.
Insistent Terminology : They're " Layers ", not " episodes ".
It Runs in the Family : Lain and her father are both socially awkward individuals with a love for computers.
I Want My Beloved to Be Happy : Only Lain takes a more... shall we say... 'active' role in Alice's life even after this...
Jigsaw Puzzle Plot : The story is complex and we get disparate pieces of it during each episode.
A teenager hopped up on nanotech goofballs shoots up a nightclub with a laser sight-equipped handgun. Just before he commits suicide, there is a camera shot where all you can see in the dim lighting are his teeth, and the laser dot on the roof of his mouth — a very striking image.
In the next episode, The Men in Black have laser sights on their high-tech eyepieces. It's never explained what function the laser sights serve, other than tipping people off that they're being watched and generally creeping them out.
Little Miss Almighty : Lain.
Loners Are Freaks : Or at least very unusual.
Mad Scientist : Dr. Hodgeson, the man who created the KIDS program (an attempt to collect information on the use of psi energy ). Sound familiar?
Magical Realism : It's never clear how much of the events of this show are happening in real life and how much are in Lain's head.
The deliveryman who drops off a package for a housewife with a top-of-the-line Navi. Although he's almost as interested in her computer as he is in her, the camera still pans slowly over her body from his perspective.
The corporate bigshot (who is also one of the Knights ) takes definite interest in his female cohort crossing and re-crossing her legs.
Masturbation Means Sexual Frustration : Alice has a Precocious Crush on her teacher, which she deals with by masturbating in secret. Unfortunately for her Evil Lain catches her doing it and spreads it all over school, which causes Lain's friendship with Alice to break down.
Matrix Raining Code : Lain's computers do this at times.
Mature Work, Child Protagonists : Lain Iwakura is a girl in middle school who still wears teddy bear pajamas. During the course of the series, she visits a night club where a man on a mind accelerating cyber drug shoots someone else and then himself, inadvertently causes her older sister to suffer a brutal Mind Rape that leaves her a blank slate, sees a young man playing a VR game mistake a young girl for a monster in his game and shoot her, and has her become involved with a couple of Men in Black who murder all the members of a rival faction. She catches a friend of hers masturbating while fantasizing about a teacher, and then witnesses the same friend have a complete breakdown when they're confronted with a self-styled "God of the Wired".
The Men in Black : Lain has several encounters with the MIB watching her. Coupled with Those Two Guys .
Mind Rape : What the Knights do to Mika in Layer 05. "Beep... Beep... Beep..."
As mentioned in the introduction to this page, Serial Experiments Lain is like this because most of the plot developments are implied, and most of the explicit ones are obscured.
You're probably going to understand it up until around episode 4. After that, it just gets progressively weirder and avant-garde; the series is much closer to an arthouse movie than a typical sci-fi anime.
The Most Dangerous Video Game : PHANTOMa . It's pretty invasive as-is, but once it starts leaking into the real world...
My Death Is Just the Beginning : Masami Eiri throws himself under a train to discard his body and live in the Wired as "God" .
Neuro-Vault : Lain is an Artificial Human created to hold the Version 7 network protocol within her brain .
Nice Job Breaking It, Hero : Lain reveals the identities of the Knights, and is horrified by the consequences.
Nightmare Face : The girl from Layers 01 and 02 who was supposedly hit by a train. One word: Holes .
No Social Skills : When we first meet Lain she has a wide-eyed befuddlement when faced with a social situation, to the point where she is almost mute. Her friends' bubbly interchanges are juxtaposed with an odd — troubling gap where a response should be. She develops some skills as the series progresses: it is uphill work and Lain is never a normal girl. Eventually revealed to be due to "our" Lain being but one aspect/avatar of the instrumentality that is Lain.
When Mika keeps seeing messages written in red ink telling her to "fulfill the prophecy", without any idea where they're coming from or why she's received them.
In Layer 12, Alice visits Lain at home and is very unnerved to find her house ransacked and nobody home until she comes across Lain in her room.
However, the biggest and probably scariest example is during the penultimate episode when The Men in Black end up "receiving final payment for their services". First, Lin, the shorter man with the black ponytail, sees... something that we never do and immediately starts to have a really bad seizure of sorts, with his body starting to lurch and twist around in a way that almost seems inhuman . His partner Karl tries to figure out what's wrong with him before he eventually falls limp, dead with foam dripping from his mouth. Afterwards, Karl then sees whatever it was his partner saw, causing him to let out a scream that's absolutely bloodcurdling , especially considering how stoic Karl is during the rest of the series. This is the last we hear or see from them before the world is reset at the end. The fact that we never see just just what in the world they saw when they met this fate which leads us to only imagine what it could have been arguably makes this scene one of the most terrifying in the entire 13 episode run.
No Shirt, Long Jacket : Eiri 's form in the Wired.
Obfuscated Interface : The interfaces found in the Wired, a virtual world, alternate between this trope and Viewer-Friendly Interface . It's very maddening to the viewer having suddenly not being able to track down the processes and codes, uselessly trying to decode them until your brain catches up.
Older Than They Look : Lain is supposedly the same age than Alice and her friends, but she looks sustantially shorter and less physically developed than them. Summed to her rather childish attributes, like her bear clothes and lack of social skill, it makes it seem that she is much younger than them.
Once an Episode : The traffic-and-telephone-lines montage that opens every episode, with some philosophical commentary pertaining to the episode. This is played with in the last episodes. For instance, Layer 10, Love , has absolutely no introducing commentary, just the sounds of the traffic and static , and the usual opening montage only shows up about half-way into Layer 13, Ego .
One-Winged Angel : Masami Eiri enters the physical world as some sort of blob of flesh.
Open the Iris : Quite a bit of the Reaction Shots .
Oracular Urchin : Lain is an extreme variation on this type.
Ordinary High-School Student : Lain starts as an ordinary middle school student, grounding the series. She proceeds to become somewhat less ordinary.
Otaku : In one episode, a fat, unshaven computer nerd is seen hacking away pathetically. Though not so pathetically, because he is one of the Knights.
Paranoid Thriller : Easily the most famous example of this genre in anime. The show has its protagonist uncover a transhumanist conspiracy using the internet, all while leaving it ambiguous as to how much of the plot is her schizophrenic delusions.
Parental Abandonment : Lain's parents turn out to be adoptive, because Lain is an Artificial Human They then abandon her after their "role" in her life is over, though her father at least disobeys enough to say goodbye to her and tell her he loved her.
Parental Neglect : Lain's mother doesn't seem to care at all about her, ignoring her daughter's clear emotional distress after going through multiple traumatic events. This is because she's not her real mother.
Parking Garage : Where The Men in Black meet their ultimate fate.
Perma-Stubble : The Men in Black ; it makes them look dangerous and makes it obvious that something is very, very wrong.
Phone Call from the Dead : The anime does this with e-mail in the very first episode, kicking off the whole plot of the series.
Lain is effectively a god that physically exists.
A more straight example would be Eiri, who committed suicide to become a god .
Power Echoes / Power Floats : Masami Eiri.
Powered by a Forsaken Child : The appropriately named KiDS experiment, the project of a scientist who tried to tap the psychic energy of hundreds of children, apparently draining them and leaving them in a deep coma. There seemed to be a some sort of explosion caused by an overflow of psychic energy, dissolving the children's bodies, trapping them forever in the Wired. The scientist comments how no matter what he does, bringing them back to real world is impossible.
Practical Voice-Over : In the initial episodes, people on The Wired can be heard talking to each other about current events that affect the story and give us insight into the world outside of Lain. It even provides some Foreshadowing ! That said, there are also a lot of Non Sequiturs (as is the case with the real-life Internet), so this is something of a Subversion .
Ransacked Room : Lain's house after her parents leave.
Thanks to Eiri 's Protocol Seven, the Knights are able to hack reality itself.
Reaction Shot : Often one after another.
"The Reason You Suck" Speech : Lain delivers one to Eiri/ God himself in Layer 12. He... doesn't take it well . Lain: What you did was to remove all the peripheral devices that interact with the Wired. Phones, television, the network...but without those, you couldn't have accomplished anything. Eiri/ God : Yes, Lain, those are things which accompanied human evolution, but they are not an end in themselves. Understand that humans, who are further evolved than other forms of life have a right to greater abilities. Lain: But wait a minute, who gave you those rights? The program that inserted code, synced to the Earth's characteristic frequency, into the corresponding Protocol 7 code ultimately raised the collective unconscious to the conscious level. So tell me, did you honestly come up with these ideas all by yourself? Eiri/ God : What is it you're getting at? No! It can't be! Are you telling me there's been a God all along? Lain: It doesn't really matter, does it, without a body you'll never be able to truly understand . Eiri/ God : It's a lie! A lie! I'm omnipotent, you hear me?! I'm the one who gave you a body here in the Real World, and this is the thanks I get?! You were scattered all over the Wired! I gave you... AN EGO! Lain: So if that's true about me, what about you? Eiri/ God : I'm different ! How DARE you?! I'm DIFFERENT! [screams in incoherent rage]
Recap Episode : Sort of: Layer 11 features images from previous episodes during the first 15 minutes.
Reset Button Ending : Features a rare variation which gives the series a sense of closure: the fact that it wasn't a complete reset definitely helps.
Ret-Gone : The series ends with Lain doing this to herself . Mostly .
Reveal Shot : There are several shots where Lain or her friends have a Reaction Shot followed by a Reveal Shot — the camera moves out to show the horror they just saw.
Roswell That Ends Well : There is a discussion on the Roswell incident and conspiracy theories, and implies that the Wired might have been created using alien technology . Whether that's true, and how relevant it is to the story, is left entirely open.
Salaryman : Lain's father, who is kinder to her than her mother but still rather distant.
Say My Name : Lain and Alice do this a lot, especially in Layer 12 and 13.
Scary Shiny Glasses : Lain's dad has them frequently.
School Uniforms are the New Black : Lain and her classmates can be seen wearing their uniform hours after school has ended, even after she's gotten home from school.
Hey look, it's Vannevar Bush and the Memex featured in an anime!
The references to Douglas Rushkoff, John C. Lilly, Ted Nelson, and the Roswell conspiracy theories also fit with the plot very well.
"Infornography" (Layer 11) is packed solid with this trope.
The series may be the only anime ever to reference Marcel Proust, with the madeleines that Lain's father offers her (a type of biscuit).
Sigmund Freud : Is Lain the only show to get the term "Ego" correct? This also fits closely with the notion of "Ego" according to Descartes, especially when you consider that you are remembered, therefore, you are. à la "Cogito ergo sum" .
Silence Is Golden : The series often has long scenes without dialogue, including montages of Lain walking around the city or in her room. The minimalist soundtrack fits as well.
The Singularity : A major theme of the show, though the phrase "technological singularity" is never used explicitly in the dialogue. The show revolves around the relationship between humans and technology, and the ontological problems presented by Brain Uploading and the information overload in a world that relies on the The Internet . It depicts the possible result of a world in which the lines between the organic and the mechanical become so blurred that it becomes impossible to tell the difference .
Sky Face : This happens in Layer 06. Lain's face appears in the sky and freaks everyone out.
Soundtrack Dissonance : Midway through Layer 13, an upbeat pop song starts playing as life in Lain's town starts going back to normal because she erases everyone's memories of her .

Split Personality : Subverted by later making them split unpersonalities .
Starts with a Suicide : The series kicks off when middle schooler Chisa Yomoda jumps off a building. It then follows up with the girl's Internet conversation: "How does it feel to die?" "It really hurts :-)"
Stalker with a Crush : Arguably one of the most depressing example in media. As much as Karl means Lain no harm and in one case he is particularly interested in her safety (which may explain at least in part his earlier stalking), his subsequent declaration of love to her still comes out as absolutely cold and contorted, and the fact that he won't even wait for or expect a response from Lain suggest that he is perfectly aware of that . Worse part, he will die shortly after .
Stepford Suburbia : Lain's neighbourhood, which is glaringly bright and white everywhere .
Stock Footage : Closeups of telephone lines and stylized shots of city traffic at night. One repeated bit of footage is rather poignant: Lain walking under telephone lines casting creepy shadows: in the last episode the same footage is shown without Lain after she erases herself from existence.
Stock Shoujo Bullying Tactics : Lain's desk goes missing and everyone, including the teacher, starts acting as if she doesn't exist right when she's questioning her own existence.
Subways Suck : The train Lain takes to school.
Surreal Horror : This anime makes the idea of going on the internet an H. R. Giger nightmare, physically representing it as another layer of reality. Unlike other shows which would display a friendly, clean cyberworld, this one portrays it as disorienting and bizarre. Add in hallucinations and the blending of the real world and the Wired and several scenes get quite intensely strange. Even the more mundane stuff has a surprisingly unsettling atmosphere.
Talking the Monster to Death : Lain does this to Eiri.
The Tape Knew You Would Say That : Or so it would seem in the first episode when Lain has a conversation with Chisa's e-mail. Justified in hindsight: Lain really was conversing with her e-mail.
The Team Wannabe : The Knights fanboy who wanders around the streets wearing a virtual reality headset and begging them to let him join their group.
Technology Porn : Depending on who you ask, this is slightly more literal than in most cases.
Terrible Artist : Lain's doodles in her notebook are often just spirals and other random shapes.
They Look Just Like Everyone Else! : Who are the sinister, reality-hacking powerful Knights of the Eastern Calculus, you ask? An executive, a fat nerd and a housewife who plays videogames with her son.
Through the Eyes of Madness : The series can be interpreted this way; a number of Lain's experiences resemble symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia, including visual and auditory hallucinations, loss of perception of time, paranoid delusions, and inappropriate emotional reactions. In fact, one of the symptoms of schizophrenia is the delusional belief that everything is connected and is somehow directly relevant to the believer, no matter how innocuous or unimportant. One might call it an inability to tell signal from noise...
Tomato in the Mirror : Lain herself .
Transhuman : Lain, certainly; Eiri, almost; perhaps the whole city or more, if you take the view that the post-reset world is a Lotus-Eater Machine .
Trash of the Titans / Trash the Set : Lain's house gains a worrying amount of mess and a nasty brown fog near the end of the series.
Taro, Myu Myu and Masayuki hang out at the Cyberia, a cyberpunk nightclub mostly attended by people twice their age who goes in cyber-drugs and party hard all the time.
Alice, Lain, Reika, and Julie all frequent the Cyberia as well despite only being 14. The other Lain has apparently organized raves there.
Mika, a high schooler, is implied to be having sex with a man who's at least in college.
20 Minutes into the Future : Despite the opening narration claiming that it takes place in the "Present Day!", the series is said to take place around 1999 and was aired in 1998. The Wired and its associated hardware are alien imports into a pretty ordinary Japanese city that happens to have self-driving cars.
Uncanny Valley Girl : Lain of course, seeing as she is very pretty, quiet, and seemingly normal at first, except she's not a normal girl. This is played with in earlier episodes by deliberately using Off-Model animation techniques so that she appears out of place with her surroundings. This is is used to full effect in Layer 08, where we see a glimpse of the Wired where each user has her face... on their own bodies. She freaks out and knocks the head off of one , but that just makes it even creepier.
Un-person : Lain does this to herself.
Unreliable Narrator : The "Present day, Present time!" dateline that opens each episode, close-but-not-exactly-true, which oddly enough sets the tone quite well.
The Unsmile : Lain pulls one at the end of Layer 11.
Alternates with Obfuscated Interface so often that it alone can drive the viewer to confusion.
Villainous Breakdown : God /Masami Eiri has one, complete with This Cannot Be! , when Lain decides to stand up to him.
Virtual Ghost : Chisa, Eiri and others. Maybe even Lain herself in the end, depending on how far she took the "erasing herself from existence" thing.
The Voice : People on The Wired start out as this but over time become The Unintelligible as Lain becomes more and more "connected" to The Wired and thus able to "understand" posts on The Wired on a level the viewer can't . Or something like that .
Weirdness Magnet : Lain and her house.
Chisa is practically forgotten after the first few episodes, only getting a basically inconsequential mention in Layer 10, though she is shown to be alive in the rebooted post-Lain world.
The fate of Mika and Lain's fake parents is not revealed, although after Lain hits the Reset Button , we see a scene where all three of them formed an actual family, at Lain's behest one would imagine .
Where Does He Get All Those Wonderful Toys? : Lain's computer setup. It's made vaguely plausible in that her father seems to work as a computer engineer of some sort, but by Layer 4 she has entire racks of servers and several monitors in her bedroom.
Whip Pan : Used when Lain is conversing with her "friends", to show that even though she and her friends are separated only by a few feet, the emotional distance is unfathomable. Alice is even seen walking from the friends frame to the Lain frame a few times in Layer 02, to show that she honestly cares.
Your Mind Makes It Real : Probably one of the most true to form examples, to the point where you can resurrect people or erase people them from existence simple by manipulating people's collective memories. In scientific or practical terms it's not clearly explained how the barrier between the wired and the physical world can become blurred in very real terms (though there is some reference to humans having a sort of latent sensitivity to electromagnetic frequencies), but the audience can infer that the story works on such a strongly idealistic world view that it just kind of can .

Video Example(s):

Alice and lain.

Alice places Lain's hand on her heart to ground her after she nearly succumbs to the Wired.

Example of: Feeling Your Heartbeat

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Ten tropes you'll find in science fiction - over and over again

Science fiction is a genre of limitless possibilities, but that doesn't mean there aren't a few ideas writers keep coming back to as trusty old standbys. Here are ten of science fiction's most common tropes...and how they've evolved.

Screen Rant

10 overused sci-fi tv tropes (& which shows did them best).

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25 Best Sci-Fi TV Shows On Netflix Right Now

The boys season 4 episode 4 release date & time, the acolyte episode 4's ending is a massive problem for star wars canon.

Doctor Who executes time travel with skill, using the Doctor's TARDIS to explore endless adventures without the worry of disturbing the future.
Foundation's innovative use of cloning, with multiple active clones of Cleon ruling the galaxy, allows for different iterations of the character to be portrayed without casting changes.
Severance's unique approach to memory manipulation creates separate personas for characters, leading to layered and compelling ethical debates.

Some of the best sci-fi TV shows of all time tend to rely heavily on their genre's tropes, but some shows use them better than others. For each trope, there is a show that perfectly understands its nuances and how it can be integrated into stories. To be effective, the use of a trope needs to avoid coming across as contrived or predictable. It takes great skill from a show's creative team to take a commonly used theme within a genre and execute it in such a way that makes it seem fresh.

Certain hallmarks of science-fiction make the genre what it is. As a result, they need to be included so that the stories can appeal to fans of the category. However, a TV show can often stick out from the crowd when it prioritizes one of the overused sci-fi tropes above all others. The show can then become well known as the master of that particular facet of science-fiction. When a show champions one trope above all others, it doesn't mean other sci-fi trademarks don't make an appearance; it just means the show wants to explore the potential of one specific area.

10 Time Travel

What show did it best: doctor who.

Time travel stories can be notoriously difficult to write, with plot holes arising from even the slightest of errors. Given the length of Doctor Who's run, it's surprising how few mistakes are made in this regard. The Doctor and their TARDIS have set a shining example for decades now of how time travel should be executed. Characters in time travel stories can often be restricted by a relatively short timeline , acting with utmost care to avoid impacting the future.

In Doctor Who, the Doctor rarely has such concerns. The Doctor is so integrated into millennia of timelines across the entire universe that their presence is actually the cause of many key moments in time - good and bad. The Doctor's TARDIS having the ability to travel through space as well as time is what sets it apart from so many other vehicles in science-fiction. As a result, the TARDIS opens up the possibilities of endless adventures rather than endlessly worrying about disturbing events that are yet to come.

What show did it best: Foundation

Lee Pace as Brother Day in Foundation, sitting at a table with the other Cleon clones

Inspired by books by Isaac Asimov, Foundation is one of many TV franchises to feature clones . However, Foundation does so in the most creative way. Cleon I, former leader of the Galactic Empire, decides that all of his successors will be perfect clones of himself. Carrying the same name, the ensuing Cleons continue to rule the galaxy, with three active clones on the throne at any one time. With the presence of lengthy jumps in time in Foundation, the Clone Emperors are one of the few constants in the show .

With three Cleons decanted at any one time, the character is in the rare position of always being portrayed by a trio of actors. The clones, while still holding the name of Cleon, are also known within the Empire as Brother Dawn, Brother Day, and Brother Dusk. Their title changes as they move through life, meaning the three actors have the chance to play different iterations of Cleon without the need for a casting change. From both a storytelling and production point of view, Foundation's use of the cloning trope is incredibly innovative .

8 Memory Manipulation

What show did it best: severance.

Adam Scott as Mark S looking startled on Severance

The manipulation of a character's memories in sci-fi often involves altering their recollections or wiping them completely. Severance has taken this trope and developed the idea in a very original way . No memories in the show are removed or altered, but rather, the same mind is given the ability to store two completely separate personas. The characters in the show undergo a procedure that means they do not retain their memories while they are working.

Inversely, their memories from outside the office are not accessible to the other versions of themselves. As a result, the "Innies" and "Outies" become two completely separate beings, with the Innies' only memories being that of their time in the office. While the Outies could be argued to be the characters' "true" selves, the Innies also become people in their own right. As a result, the ethical debates that arise from Severance's use of memory manipulation are layered and very compelling.

7 The Multiverse

What show did it best: what if..., what if....

The Disney+ animated show may seem like an anthology series untethered from the main MCU, but it's just as canon as the other installments. The What If...? episodes show familiar superheroes in new contexts , exploring what would have happened if certain events had happened differently. The short stories reimagine the MCU as it's known, but each one is an extended look into the lives of those across the MCU multiverse.

It can be easy to consider What If...? as nothing but a series of thought experiments, but the events unfolding in every episode are actually happening throughout the MCU multiverse . A multiverse story in science-fiction can often follow a main character. However, What If...? isn't tied down by those restrictions, and has an endless number of universes to explore, with the ability to endlessly continue regardless of how many characters perish.

What show did it best: Farscape

Aliens are a must-have in many sci-fi TV shows, so it can become challenging to make an impact in such a saturated area. Farscape manages to capture the imaginations of many with its portrayal of alien lifeforms. As well as impressive prosthetics for some of its alien characters, the Jim Henson production makes full use of its legacy with a wide array of puppets and animatronics to bring its expansive world to life.

Many shows portray aliens as near-human, as they tend to need a human actor to step into the role. Although Farscape does employ this technique for many of its characters, the use of realistic-looking puppets allows life to exist within the show that is nowhere near human. For certain members of the Farscape cast , prosthetics are applied to complete an actor's transformation. The Farscape show made great use of puppetry when it wanted to use characters who were considerably more alien, like Pilot or Rygel, and their interaction with real actors gave Farscape a unique feel.

5 A Setting In The Distant Future

What show did it best: the expanse, the expanse.

Shows set centuries into the future can often involve a utopian society with incredibly advanced technology. While this can open the show up to a myriad of story opportunities, it can limit how grounded the narrative is capable of being. The Expanse may be set in the distant future, but that doesn't mean it falls into the realm of utopian science-fiction. The Expanse takes place in a version of the future that draws its inspiration from realistic predictions of how humanity could progress from our current standing.

As a result, The Expanse lacks light-speed travel , laser weapons, and various other sci-fi tropes. The show almost sheds the label of science-fiction altogether, but the decision to keep The Expanse more grounded than other shows in its genre is what sets it apar t. Taking place in a future where all humanity has to lean on is its own ingenuity raises the stakes and every victory and loss experienced by the characters feels more authentic as a result.

4 Artificial Lifeforms

What show did it best: star trek: the next generation.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Artificial Intelligence is a plot device used across the Star Trek franchise, but The Next Generation uses it most effectively. The Next Generation is at its best when it shows its artificial characters achieving sentience . This is often displayed in Brent Spiner's character, Lt. Commander Data. As an android, Data aspires to become more like his human crewmates, and his journey spans all seven seasons of the show, as well as its sequel movies.

Data also unintentionally imparts this desire to a holographic version of the Sherlock Holmes villain, Professor James Moriarty in season 6, episode 12, "Ship in a Bottle." Holograms are commonly shown to operate only within the confines of their programming in Star Trek, and so the incident with the false Moriarty broadens the crew's understanding of what it means for a life form to achieve sentience, artificial or otherwise.

From Black Mirror to the nostalgic Stranger Things, these are the 25 best sci-fi shows available to stream on Netflix right now.

3 Techno-Babble

What show did it best: rick and morty.

Rick and Morty

Made-up words and speculative terminology are a big part of what makes up the sci-fi genre. Characters drowning their audience with unfamiliar vocabulary is what helps move a show beyond the realms of reality. Even if existing scientific terms are used in the script, they're often rearranged and presented out of context so that it's just beyond comprehension. Rick and Morty does techno-babble better than any show .

Although it's done with a comic twist, Rick Sanchez churns out absolute nonsense with a level of confidence that makes it difficult to remember it's been penned in advance by the show's writers. Despite many of the show's lines being improvised by the actors, any particularly unusual-sounding words can often be explained away as being alien in origin or just not capable of being understood by human minds. The trademark silliness of much of Rick and Morty is part of what allows the show to be so effective a techno-babble.

2 Advanced Weaponry

What show did it best: star wars: the clone wars.

Ahsoka Tano with Cad Bane on the left and Padmé Amidala on the right.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

The Star Wars franchise has long been home to some very famous and impressive weaponry that doesn't exist in reality. The Clone Wars is the first time those weapons are put on display in such an extended manner. As well as witnessing the Clones' blaster rifles in action in countless battles throughout the show, various Jedi draw their lightsabers to fight alongside their troops on many occasions. Lightsabers are one of the most well-known sci-fi weapons , and witnessing them being used to win the day in a great deal of The Clone Wars is a welcome addition to the storied franchise.

1 Transfer Of Consciousness

What show did it best: altered carbon.

Altered Carbon

Moving the essence of one's self into another body is not an original concept, but it's one that Altered Carbon builds its entire world around. In the world of the show, the development of "resleeving" causes many social and political issues, including a new form of caste system where only the super-rich are afforded the chance to achieve immortality. The story also features a main character whose face is not his own, raising questions about how important someone's mind is when compared to their physical form.

Altered Carbon explores this trope of consciousness very thoroughly , delving into unexpected issues that arise from undergoing the process too frequently or even at all. In sci-fi at large, a consciousness transfer is often hailed as one of the ultimate achievements, one that will raise humanity to the level of demigods. Altered Carbon fervently disagrees with this viewpoint, showing the risks and downfalls that can manifest as a result of such technology.

Dexter's Laboratory

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One of Cartoon Network 's earliest original series, Dexter's Laboratory originated as one of the World Premiere Toons , a series of short cartoons solicited through a contest for nonprofessional animators. ( The Powerpuff Girls was also brought in through this contest, and note that the two shows seem to take place in the same universe , and seem to share similar styles. Craig McCracken and Genndy Tartakovsky collaborated on both shows.)

Dexter is a very young scientist with a Central European accent, thick-rimmed glasses and a gigantic laboratory in his bedroom. For all his genius, Dexter is never able to keep his sister, Dee Dee, out of his lab.

Do NOT confuse with that other Dexter ; much tragedy will come of it . Well, some tragedy.

This show follows a fairly standard " Three Shorts " format, with a Dexter cartoon at the start and end, and another series in between. Throughout its run, this slot was filled by spinoff series Dial M for Monkey and Justice Friends , both of these Superhero parodies. Dial M For Monkey followed Dexter's eponymous pet monkey, who fought aliens and monsters behind Dexter's back. The Justice Friends provided a domestic sitcom take on The Avengers , exploring the apartment life shared by three superheroes. Outside the US the filler shows were sometimes dropped and the Dexter cartoons shown in a different order.

He also doesn't appear in "Surf, Sun, and Science" which is a Day in The Limelight for Mandark.
AcCENT Upon the Wrong SylLABle : At least with respect to US pronunciation. "Dee Dee, get out of my laBORatory!" True to his crazy accent, however, that is how "laboratory" is pronounced in most places outside the US.
Rasslor from the Dial M For Monkey episode of the same name was voiced by Randy Savage . His last line in the episode was, naturally, " OH YEAAAH! ".
In a real-life example, a kid named Tyler Samuel Lee won a contest that aired an episode he wrote, entitled " Dexter And Computress Get Mandark "
Affectionate Parody : The episodes Mock 5 , Trapped With a Vengeance , Dee Dee's Room , Game Over , The Golden Diskette , G.I.R.L. Squad ... there are a few. Then there are the Action Hank and Pony Puff Princess franchises , and the entire Justice Friends cast.
All Girls Like Ponies : Dee Dee (plus her racially diverse friends Mimi and Lee Lee)
Sometimes averted in certain episodes, as Dexter frequently worries about normal things for a boy his age, such as his favorite television heroes, and being liked by the neighborhood kids.
Almighty Janitor : "Yohnny the Yanitor" from the episode "Trapped With a Vengeance".
Animated Series
Arch Enemy : Mandark
Dee-Dee had thicker eyebrowes and seemed to lack a chin in the first few episodes.
Artistic License : The episode where Dexter travels to Mars.
Art Shift : The animation for the outside sequences in "Snowdown" is an Homage to Calvin and Hobbes .
Attack Pattern Alpha : In the Dial M for Monkey" episode "Last But Not Beast".
Author Appeal : Tartakovsky seems to have a thing for classic Super Robot anime.
"It's not the beard on the outside that counts, but the beard on the INSIDE."
And in "Ego Trip" Future Badass Dexter has one.
Badass Family : Dexter may have a pretty screwed up family at times, but when they work together, they're the definition of Badass . Case in point, the army and all the world's superheroes (including Monkey) were completely powerless against Bedaxtra. Dexter's family united, got a Combining Mecha , flew to Japan, and managed to kill him. They've even got a theme song! .
Bad Future : The main conflict in Ego Trip . Mandark takes over the world using one of Dexter's inventions and hordes all knowledge and science for himself, deliberately forcing the populace to live in indigent, primitive poverty and stupidity. Dexter and his future selves put a stop to it, but they end up creating a Stable Time Loop ensuring that it's going to happen again and again.
Bad Humor Truck : In the Episode "Ice Cream Scream".
Bald of Awesome : Dexter in the Bad Future .
Beware the Nice Ones : You do not want to see Dexter's father angry. Same with his mother.

And God help you if you make Dee Dee seriously angry.
Parodied in an episode where Dexter shrinks the house to observe it inside his lab, leaving Dexter's lab of normal size on the inside, but a disembodied door on the outside.
Also parodied in an episode where Dexter draws a map of the house. Guess which is the smallest room.
Non Sequitur Episode : Dexter and Computress get Mandark. Created by a 6½-year old. And it shows, what with the exploding heads and Mandark's exploding heads exploding the Earth. Yep.
Big No : Dexter, numerous times. Including the scene where he's surrounded by cooties.
Big Red Button : "What does THIS button do~~?"
Boredom Montage : In "Space Case", after the aliens kidnap Dee Dee, Dexter has one of these in his lab.
Brought Home the Wrong Kid : Dexter invokes this when he find an Identical Stranger with parents who are science geniuses like him. They swap temporarily and the parents never know the difference (despite the kids looking quite distinct from each other).
Especially his backbone-lacking teenage/young adult self in "Ego Trip", who works for Mandark designing cubicles in the future.
Cartoony Eyes
"DEE DEE! GET OUT OF MY LAB O RATORY!"
"AT LAST! MY GREATEST CREATION IS COM PLE TED!"
Charlie and the Chocolate Parody : A machine factory, complete with Golden Diskettes in order to enter and singing, and owned by a guy who is most certainly not Stephen Hawking .
And to add insult to injury, once the Ice Cream Man forgives Dexter and allows him to purchase ice cream, Dexter pays the Ice Cream Man with a 100 dollar bill.
Child Prodigy : Dexter and Mandark. Dexter could even be called a baby prodigy; he was making scientific-sounding obvservations about his family and his house when they got back from the hospital then night he was born . And DeeDee, for all her kookiness , is a really good dancer. She can dodge lasers while doing ballet!
Chuck Cunningham Syndrome : Mandark's sister Olga (Lalavava) appears in one episode as a rival to Dee Dee and is never seen again.
Cloudcuckoolander : Dee Dee.
The episode does exist but was only ever shown at a handful of animation conventions. It has not been aired or released on DVD to date and may become a Missing Episode .
That episode in question was actually made as a joke, and as such was never intended to be publicly shown on TV.
Collectible Cloney Babies : In one episode, Dexter and his friends went to a local comic convention, only to end up in the wrong area. Rather than join a room of space nerds, they end up in a land of doll collectors, who yell at them for ripping a box open. Though Dexter defeats their champion in a fair fight, they have to leave disguised as collectible dolls to enter the space area. And it turns out they look like collectible figures from said space franchise...
Color Coded for Your Convenience : Mee-Mee and Lee-Lee (Dee-Dee's friends) wear green and purple versions of her outfit.
Cue theme song
Cool and Unusual Punishment : This happened to Dexter in the episode "The Old Switcharooms".
Crapsack World : The future in "Ego Trip".
Creepy Child : One falls in love with Dexter in "Aye, Aye, Eye".
Crisis Crossover : Last But Not Beast had the Dexter and Monkey segments connected via the giant monster destroying Japan. The Monkey segment even skips its usual opening credits to continue the story.
In Mexican Spanish, German, and Danish; Dexter is voiced by a man.
Crossover : Dexter, Justice Friends and Monkey with each other, but also one episode with Dynomutt Dog Wonder .
Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass : Dexter's dad.
Cryptid Episode : There's both a Bigfoot episode and a Chupacabra episode.
Curious as a Monkey
A Day at the Bizarro : The episode "Dexter and Computress Get Mandark!" was drawn in crayon and features voice work done by a six year old fan named Tyler Samuel Lee , who sent in a tape of his idea. It then gets extremely weird from there, involving exploding Mandark heads.
Deconstructive Parody : The episode where Dexter tries out different superpowers.
To show you just how valid the above two points are, watch the "Down in the dumps" episode. It did a pretty good job of showing Dex's and Dee Dee's positive and negative personality traits.
Mandark can either be a hammy and morally ambiguous rival to Dexter, or genuinely villainous.
Dexter can go from being woobie to an Unsympathetic Comedy Protagonist , sometimes even within the same episode.
DIDIJUSTSAYTHATOUTLOUD!?
Genius Ditz : There are rare moments when Dee Dee shows a surprising level of insight.
Ditzy Genius : Dexter, while a phenomenal genius, has moments where he misses obvious insights. Though it could be attributed to his lack of common sense that sometimes goes with intelligence, it seems to be more related to the fact that he's still very much a boy, considering his personality.
Do Not Call Me "Paul" : Susan Mandark.
Does This Remind You of Anything? : The Muffin Episode. Drug addiction or sex (muff-a-holic?) addiction, take your pick.
Downer Ending : In one episode Dexter and Mandark fail to stop an asteroid from destroying the world due their refusal to work together. The two fail to notice this, still bickering inside their mechs in outer space. Thankfully, that doesn't mean much here.
The new Phys-Ed teacher, who forces Dexter to compete in the most brutal sport of all: DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODGE. BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL.
Dumb Blonde : Dee Dee... though she has her moments.
Dumb Is Good : Dee Dee is generally more laid back and cheerful than her brother.
Dude, Where's My Respect?
Dysfunctional Family : Dexter's.
Eggshell Clothing : Dee Dee really spoofed this.
Elaborate Underground Base
The interdimensional beast "Jojo" in "Mandarker". He apparently helped Mandark write the book The Magic of Science by Mandark and Jojo , but when Mandark summons him as part of a science fair project, he goes berserk and tries to eat Dee Dee.
Embarrassing First Name : Mandark's parents named him Susan . This drove him to villainy in the the later episodes in his retconned backstory.
Emergency Broadcast
Ending Theme : Narrated by Mako , no less!
Enfant Terrible : Dexter's dad, apparently, when he and Dexter's mom turned into toddlers. During that time, Dexter's dad took pleasure at beating up Dexter's mom as a baby. Using Dexter's inventions to torture her.
Evil Chef : In the episode where Dexter ended up teamed up with Action Hank, one of these was the main villain.
Eyecatch : On Boomerang.
Eye Glasses : Dexter and his dad's glasses, which can change shape depending on expression.
Don't forget the Bill Clinton Captain Ersatz from the episode about a bodily function.
Fantastic Time Management : There's an episode where Dexter has only 1 minute before the school bus arrives and he hasn't done his homework yet, so he use a time extending helmet to make it 30 minutes for him get everything done. ...it turns out to be a snow day.
Fartillery : This happens in Episode 25/Part 1: "Critical Gas"
Five Three Token Band : Dee Dee (white) and her posse, Mee-Mee (black) and Lee-Lee (Asian)
Fetish Fuel Future : "Ego Trip" shows a world where a CEO has a harem in his office and strips his employees to their underwear for a whipping when they're not productive.
Flanderization : Mandark in the post-finale seasons was pretty much defined by his hamminess and crush on Dee-Dee.
For Science! : Much of Dexter's motivation.
Foot Focus : For Dee Dee. In two episodes, and it was plot-relevant.
Fractured Fairy Tale : A story Dee Dee tells in "Dee Dee Locks and the Ness Monster", starring Dee Dee Locks , sentient bagpipes , a brick pig , the Big Bad Wolf as Napoleon , a foppish fish, and The Three Evil Blind Mice!!
Freaky Friday Flip : Played with in "The Old Switcheroo", where Dad forces Dexter and Dee Dee to switch places.
Funny Foreigner : In the episode "The Bus Boy" there's a German boy in lederhosen. His story involved him dancing around eating food and commenting how good it was.
Fun with Flushing : Spirits from the dead hold Dee Dee hostage unless the dead Goldfish is flushed down the toilet.
Future Badass / Future Loser : Dexter has both in The Movie .
For that matter, Dexter's grandpa and old Dexter himself from the movie look nearly identical.
Genius Ditz : Dee Dee, for all of her goofiness, can break through any security measure Dexter comes up with. Also, when she's not wrecking them, can use Dexter's inventions with instant mastery, like a hovercraft Dexter himself crashed or an incredibly complicated giant mech.
SUZY SUZY SUZY SUZI SUZI!
Getting Crap Past the Radar : This show has earned its own page .
Girls Have Cooties : The so-called cooties Dexter encounters are in the form of butterflies which inhabit Dee Dee's bedroom.
"Welcome... to library... HECK!"
Grand Finale / Series Fauxnale : Two, actually; "Last But Not Beast" is the final episode of the series ( or was intended to be ) and wraps up the running plot about Dexter trying to hide his lab. "Ego Trip," meanwhile, is a film and definitively wraps up the Dexter/Mandark rivalry.
Granola Girl : Mandark's Mom, Oceanbird.
Gratuitous French : " Omelette du fromage! Omelette du fromage! " Although it's a subversion because that's all he can say.
Greasy Spoon : In an episode with a truck stop.
Groin Attack : Dexter in "Dexter Dodgeball". Guess what was used.
Gross-Out Show : At times, particularly when people/animals get diseases.
Gross Up Close-Up
Hanna-Barbera
Thus beginning many forays into Perverse Sexual Lust ...
Not surprising since Hartman actually worked on the show.
Heroic BSOD : Dee Dee falls into this when her teddy bear, Mr. Fuzzums, is taken away by the garbage truck.
Heroic Mime : In one episode, Dexter gets bitten by a clown and becomes a were-clown. To rescue him, his sister Dee-Dee becomes a mime.
It's more of a Russian accent, as the creator himself is Russian. It can even be argued that Dexter is a cartoon version of Tartakovsky himself
One episode featured none other than Paul Williams , performing an uplifting song about the glorious union of music and science !
Martin Mull and Fred Willard are two of Dexter's robots that are ridin' that hog!!
In Mexico and Denmark, Dexter is Piglet .
In Spain, Dexter and Dee-Dee are Bart and Lisa , respectively.
Hobbits : while playing a Captain Ersatz version of Dungeons & Dragons , Dexter, DeeDee, and some of their friends are playing. DeeDee gives her brother a character named "Hodo the Furry-Footed Burrower", who digs tunnels à la Bugs Bunny . His only deadly "weapon" is a... mandolin ?
Hollywood Law : This is most relevant in the end of Season 2, Episode 32, Part 3: "Dexter Detention".
Hollywood Science : But what do you expect? It's a funny cartoon .
Mandark's mom, to a lesser extent.
Hurricane of Puns : This match at Flushing Meadows is just whizzing by! But urine luck, the tension is swelling, no relief in sight. He's in the lead now, but will. he. hold. it?
Pretty much anytime Dee Dee meets someone of her own clingy and destructive level she finds them intolerable and inconsiderate. Ironically subverted one time Dexter loses it and completely destroys her room and all her personal belongings . Her response?

Dexter!

Dexter himself occasionally shows No Sense of Personal Space and can be equally intrusive and annoying. His father has to trick him into leaving when his badgering interupts a golf game for example.
I'll Pretend I Didn't Hear That : A variation occurs in "The Old Switcharooms": Dexter tries to sneak into his lab from Dee Dee's room to ensure that she isn't trashing it. Dexter's dad, who is somehow aware that Dexter is doing this even without looking at him, casually mentions (in a very stern tone) that if he were to catch anyone trying to escape their punishment, that person would find themselves suffering an even greater punishment.
Inconvenient Itch : Dexter at one point gets the chicken pox and is told not to scratch the pox, or he'll turn into a chicken. He tries ways of keeping from scratching, even restraining himself completely, but nothing works and he eventually goes on a scratching spree... after which he indeed turns into a chicken.
Incredibly Lame Fun : At an Amish community, when Dexter tries to explain "fun," the closest thing they can think of is churning butter.
Innocently Insensitive : Dee is usually just a playful Keet who wants to play with her little brother. However her notions of fun include playing around with his pretty looking (and somewhat delicate) toys, and no amount of ranting at her to leave him alone ever seems to faze her.
Instant Awesome, Just Add Mecha : Dexter's default response to almost any physical threat is to build a mech and go shoot the danger to bits. Eventually he ends up with a hangar full of mecha, which he walks through, pondering which one to use for playing dodgeball.
And four become the villains in " Lab of the Lost ".
Scenes of Dexter's mother cooking show her using the same scientific precision and unbridled glee as Dexter in the throes of creation.
Likewise, his father acts much the same as Dee Dee does when disturbing Mom in the kitchen. She even ends up shouting at him in much the same way.
It Runs on Nonsensoleum : Maybe to the same level as Pinky and The Brain but your mileage may vary as to how much...
It's Personal : After Dexter had Dee Dee destroy Mandark's lab, only then did Mandark swore revenge on Dexter and became rivals since.
Kaiju : Several. More memorable ones involve an extra-dimensional horror with many eyes and tentacles (that's start of a stable time loop) and iconic Dexter "oops". Another episode involved Dexter and Dee Dee becoming giant monsters by drinking a mutation-causing formula and having an all out battle (complete with Calling Your Attacks ). Finally, there's Badaxtra, the monster of the original Finale who nearly destroyed the world.
Kiddie Kid : Dee-Dee
Killer Game Master : Dexter is one, which is why his friends readily insist that Dee Dee be given a chance to run the game.
Killer Rabbit : The cute little Pony Puffs try to kill Dee Dee when they think she's an Action Hank fan in "Decode of Honor".
Labcoat of Science and Medicine
Last Day to Live : "Critical Gas".
Lens Flare / Audible Sharpness : Mostly when Dexter uses his Mecha.
Limited Wardrobe : Dexter is shown at one point to have his closet filled with nothing but the same labcoats and boots he always wears.
Literal Genie : One episode ended with Dexter telling Computer to make him a sandwich. And she did.
Lock and Load Montage : Used when Dexter suits up and boards his Humongous Mecha .
Luke, I Am Your Father : Hilariously parodied in "The Muffin King".

[gasps] That is not possible! No, wait, no, you're right.

Man On Fire : "My hair is on fire! My hair is on fire!"
Manipulative Bastard : Dexter's dad is this when he wants to be in "The Muffin King" and "Snowdown".
Mid-Air Bobbing : The episode where Dexter visits Mars.
Mini-Mecha : Dexter's backpack can become one.
It is still available as Keep Circulating the Tapes via YouTube and Eastern European video sites.
Mockumentary : "Blackfoot and Slim", which ends with Dexter being tranquilized, tagged and released back into his natural environment.
Motor Mouth : Everyone in 'Mock 5'. Then again, it's a Speed Racer homage, what did you expect?
Mundangerous : In the episode "Sports a Poppin", Dexter is completely incompetent in sports, and despite his best efforts lets his father down who was trying to teach him to be good at sports. Then at the end of the episode, as his dad goes back inside, a monster let loose by Dee-Dee attacks Dexter. he proceeds to fight it, using skills that obviously should have made him be more capable at the sports than he was.
"Don't be silly, I love you very much... [explosion sounds] ...guess I shouldn't touch."
"Boo-hoo. Whatever did I do to youuuuuuu?"
Though to be fair, talking about meat to a group of people who suspect you of poaching, is not a very good idea.
Naked People Are Funny
NameTron : A few of his gadgets.
Negative Continuity : Used, but not consistently. Dexter's Lab is destroyed in every other episode, but when Mandark's is destroyed in his first appearance, it actually stays that way until the next time we see the character.
Never Say That Again : Dexter about Mandark.

: Mandark ain't got nothing on y-
: Do not say that name!
: What, Mandark?
:

Never Trust a Hair Tonic : Dexter makes a hair tonic for Dee-dee after she accidentally cuts off one of her pigtails. Despite repeated warnings to use only one drop, Dee-Dee uses the entire bottle. Three guesses what happens next.
Nice Job Breaking It, Hero : Dexter is the cause of a lot of bad stuff that happens. However, bonus points go to Last But Not Beast . Dexter got one when he accidentally awakens the incredibly powerful Badaxtra trying to impress his new friends. Then Mandark gets it later when he actually tries to stop Bedaxtra as well and instead makes him grow.
No Celebrities Were Harmed : Professor Hawk , anyone?
No Knees : "Hello, knees!"
No Name Given : Dexter's parents.
Non-Standard Character Design : Dexter travels back in time to the discovery of fire in one episode. The caveman he meets and brings back is drawn in the semi-realistic style that some Hanna-Barbara cartoons used to use. (Think Jonny Quest or The Herculoids , not The Flintstones ) Another episode guest-stars Dynomutt and the Blue Falcon, but their character designs actually fit in pretty well with everyone else.
"No Respect" Guy
Noodle People : Dee Dee. The fact that her eyes are larger than her torso contributes to it.
Not a Morning Person : Dexter's parents, again.
No Sense of Personal Space : Pretty much the defining premise of Dee Dee's character.
Not-So-Harmless Villain : In 'Ego Trip', Mandark goes from simply antagonizing Dexter to conquering and stupidifying the entire world.
One-Sided Arm Wrestling : Dad vs. a Trucker... before the arm gets upgraded from truck parts.
Out-of-Genre Experience : "Cracked" feels more like an episode of a slice-of-life show. It's also dialogue-heavy, and Dexter's titular lab isn't even mentioned .
Overly Long Gag
The Other Darrin : Dexter's VA went from Christine Cavanaugh to Candi Milo when the former retired from voice acting early on in the last two seasons.
Paper-Thin Disguise : Multiple episodes
Parental Bonus : In addition to everything listed under Getting Crap Past the Radar above, the show takes delight in constantly implying that Dexter's parents are not only very much still in love, but have a very healthy sex life .
Perspective Reversal : Dee Dee crushes a bunch of ants, because she thinks they're filthy. Dexter, who find ants interesting, shrinks them both down to ant size so Dee Dee can get a better idea of their society. After some adventures, they return to normal size, at which point Dee Dee happily thanks Dexter show showing her just how cool ants really are - while Dexter is squashing them.
Pink Girl, Blue Boy : So much so that they did an Whole-Plot Reference to the Pink Panther with Dee-Dee as the eponymous and vexing feline.
He ran a test to see what the cramps would do to him. On a balloon .
Played for Laughs
Powered Armor : Dexter wore one to win at dodgeball.
Pygmalion Snapback : Dexter and Dee Dee have conversely done this with each other.
Road Runner vs. Coyote : One episode they paid homage to Road Runner and Wile. E. Coyote when Dexter tried to catch a rollerskating Dee Dee with his new bike (plus various upgrades).
Rule of Funny
Running Gag
What about his dad? When he's insane, he's really insane.
Mom too for that matter, on the occasions when her cleaning obsession and fear of germs come to the front. Most notable is one episode where Dad takes her trademark dish gloves while she's asleep, and then wont let her clean the house next day, since its Mothers Day, and the family will take care of the housework for the day. Unfortunatly, its such a messy disaster, that Mom basically has a nervous breakdown and begins to have disturbing hallucinations. It ends well though, as her Mothers Day gift is a brand new pair of gloves.
Satellite Character : Dexter's friend Douglas.
Say My Name / Rocky Roll Call : The climax of "Mandarker" slips into this, with Dexter, Dee Dee and Mandark all shouting each other's names in place of complete sentences as Dexter and Mandark work together to save Dee Dee.
Scenery Censor : On occasions where Dexter is shown naked from the front, his naughty bits are covered by a floating leaf.
Science Hero : Dexter, though he causes at least as many problems as he solves. Or more.
The Scottish Trope : Saying Mandark and Lalavava.
Second-Person Attack : Subverted in "Beard To Be Feared". Action Hank is about to punch an enemy through the POV of that enemy, and just when he's throwing the punch, it cuts to a TV showing the episode of Action Hank that Dexter was watching. Dexter is then shown wincing at the punch.
Secret Keeper
Selective Obliviousness : In 'Mock 5' Dexter's dad mentions Dexter's sister, 'Racer D' dying in a tragic soap box derby racing accident...when she's sitting right next to him, alive and well, trying to get his attention.
In "Sports a Poppin'" Dad was trying to teach Dexter how to golf, but in the later episode "Tee Party" Dad is a Small Name, Big Ego who acts like he's a pro but doesn't even know the basics. He insisted on a do-over because "the ball almost fell into this little hole".
Also, in the episode "Figure Not Included", Dexter asks for a Major Glory action figure from his mom. She tells him he she'll get him one for his birthday. However, in the episode "Surprise", when a Major Glory "somehow" manages to make it's way into Dexter's mom's cart when she goes birthday shopping for him, she takes it out, claiming that "Dexter doesn't need this junk". Though that may have just been neglect.
"Did you say... snowballs? "
Shadow Discretion Shot : Inverted in "Picture Day" when Dexter goes out of his way to make himself gorgeous for school photos.
Shapeshifter Showdown : The pilot episode, with "The Button" .
There's a shout out to the theater doors sequence from MST3K . This shot was also used in the ending credits
"It's morphing time!"
"Book 'em" has a chase sequence with a Homage to A Hard Day's Night in it. Additionally, the thugs chasing Dexter and Dee Dee have shirts that say Thug 1 and Thug 2 .
Referencing Dr. Seuss 's works doesn't end on The Cat in the Hat , though. Does Green Eggs & Ham Bacon book remind you of anything?
"Who ya wanna call?"
In "Golden Diskette", everyone escapes Professor Hawk's crumbling laboratory in the Yellow Submarine .
Dee Dee and Dexter are obviously playing Primal Rage at one point.
Show Within a Show : Shaft-esque Action Hank , one-note puppet comedy TV Puppet Pals , obvious send-up Pony Puff Princess , plus a few less noticeable one-shot parodies of Soul Train and Star Trek .
Shrunken Organ : Dexter decides to put a genius-level brain in Dee Dee's head. He needs a pair of tweezers to remove her old one.
HA ha-ha, HA ha-ha ha-ha!
Sitcom Arch Nemesis : Dexter's Dad and Windbear.
Slippery Swimsuit
In one episode, it was implied he actually died.
And don't forget when the earth was destroyed by meteors.
Spanner in the Works : Dee Dee keeps ruining things. Enough said.
Squee : Dee Dee.
Stable Time Loop : In Ego-Trip , the robots that invaded from the future were actually created by Dexter at the end of the film with the help of the later versions of himself to destroy Dee Dee in retaliation for her being the one to (unwittingly, as usual) defeat Mandark.
Stand-In Parents : Dexter uses Mad Science to make Dee Dee impersonate his mother for a parent-teacher meeting.
Staring Kid : Dexter gets a little girl with huge eyes following him around for an episode.
Status Quo Is God : There is nothing that can stop Dexter from starting an episode either in his lab or his bedroom.
Strapped to An Operating Table
It's in the outtro: "... In Dexter's Laboratory, lives the smartest boy you've ever seen, but Dee Dee blows his experiments to smithereens! There is gloom and doom while things go boom, in Dexter's lab!!!!"
Suck E. Cheese's : Chubby Cheese's. Run by MiB, no less.
The Faceless : Earl in "Hamhocks And Armlocks".
The Fundamentalist : Let's just say that both the Darbie doll fans and Star Check fans in episode "Star Check Unconventional" are really, REALLY into their hobby. And what every you do, do NOT remove a classic figure from its box.

The Renaissance Age of Animation
Three Shorts
Thick Line Animation
Time Stands Still : "Morning Stretch".
Toilet Humor : When Dee-Dee and Dexter get their hands on labeling devices to mark their property, Dexter marks a gallon of apple juice as his own and drinks it all... then gets to the bathroom, only to find Dee-Dee's marked it for herself.

We see it happen to Dexter in Ego Trip .
Took a Level In Dumbass : Dad, as part of the Seasonal Rot . Dee Dee might have gotten dumber too, but it's harder to tell with her.
Uncancelled : Season 3, made without creator Genndy Tartarkovsky (and writers Butch Hartman and Seth MacFarlane , who had left to make The Fairly OddParents and Family Guy , respectively) and thus a point of much contention.
Unexplained Accent : Dexter.
Villain Episode : "Sun, Surf, And Science" is focused on Mandark, and he's portayed in a more sympathetic light than usual.
Villain Song : Mandark's Plan
Dad in The Muffin King, since he's technically the villain there.
Voice Changeling : Dexter adopted this ability. Some kind of machine enabled him to copy the exact voices of others. This was in the babysitting episode, where he used the voices of the babysitter and her boyfriend to sever their relationship, so that he could move in himself.
Wacky Racing : "Dexter's Wacky Races."
What Does This Button Do? : Trope Namer , because Dee Dee made this into an art form.
Except when Rule of Funny dictates he get a bill from NASA.
"Kid-friendly" in that it takes place in a school and feature no shooting. It's still about a psychotic man trapping a small child in his school late at night an torturing him.
Professor Hawk's episode was a Whole-Plot Reference to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory .
Wig, Dress, Accent : Mandark, when he kidnaps and impersonates Dexter's mother in "Momdark".
Wildlife Commentary Spoof
William Telling : Subverted when Dexter and Dee Dee go on a sibling vs. sibling game show. Dexter's just there for the prize, and starts one of the challenges before the host finishes explaining the rules, knocking an apple off of Dee Dee's head with a cream puff. He loses, as the host reveals that the challenge was to hit your sibling without making the apple fall.
Wraparound Background : Lampshaded and then subverted during the Wacky Racing episode. Dee-Dee notices the background repeating after the racers come out of a tunnel, and Koosie describes the animating technique in detail , referring to it as a "Repeat Pan". Then it turns out they're still inside the tunnel, in a trap set up by Mandark.
X-Ray Vision : A whole episode is dedicated to this backfiring on Dexter when he sees Dad, Mom and Dee Dee naked.
You Are Grounded : Episode 42 Part 2 "The Old Switcharooms"
Younger Than They Look : Mandark's the same age as Dexter, but he's as tall (if not taller) as Dee-Dee.

Dial M for Monkey provides examples of

Action Girl : Agent Honeydew, although she can occasionally slip into Damsel in Distress when the plot demands it
Actor Allusion : "OOOOOHHH YEEEAAAH!!"
Huntor is a combination between a Predator and Kraven .
Cat Fight : Agent Honeydew and Peltra (both were even meowing and sticking out their hands in clawing motion, and Peltra was wearing a literal catsuit)
Cruella to Animals : Peltra.
Everything's Better with Monkeys : Obviously.
Fur and Loathing
In "Barbequor", if you look closely, Agent Honeydew was about to eat a whole hotdog , while a fellow agent stares with glee.
There is so much radar stuff going on in that episode.
Hartman Hips : Agent Honeydew. The bodysuit helps!
Whole-Plot Reference : "Rasslor" is a remake of Marvel Two-In-One Annual #7, with Monkey playing the role of the Thing .
Hunting the Most Dangerous Game : The Predator -esque episode "Huntor".
In another Monkey-related cartoon, Monkey and Quakor .
Kaiju : The moon monster "Meteor" and "Magnanamous" (who just wants to get some sleep).
Magma Man : Monkey fights one in his first episode.
Oddly, it comes up in the rotation on Cartoon Network Video.
Ms. Fanservice : Honeydew again.
Monkey after breaking free of being Brainwashed and Crazy in "Organ Grindor"
Ridiculously Cute Critter : Monkey both in and out of costume.
Secret Identity : "I'm afraid you'll never be anything more than a mere monkey."
Could even double as Fetish Fuel .
Talking to Himself : Frank Welker does this whenever both Monkey and Quackor face off.

Justice Friends provides examples of

All Just a Dream : The episode where Krunk dreams of him meeting the Puppet Pals. Which turns out to be a Dream Within a Dream by Puppet Pal Mitch himself.
Uncle Sam ..!
Avengers Assemble : Justice Friends, Asssembllllle!
Captain Geographic
Delicious Fruit Pies : Major Glory's weapon of choice when saving Dexter and Dee Dee from the Mathmagician .
Disney Acid Sequence : Krunk's dream, which includes (among other things), a multi-eyed roller-skating zebra in a trenchcoat.
Everything's Better with Spinning : The cyclone-producing Justice Frenzy attack.
Major Glory - Captain America (comics) combined with Superman
Val Hallen - Thor
Krunk - Hulk
Ratman - Batman , with the backstory mimicking Spider-Man
Disgruntled Postman - The Joker
White Tiger - Black Panther
Tiki Torch - Human Torch
Miss Spell - Wanda/Scarlet Witch
Capital G - Black Goliath
Living Bullet - Iron Man + The Flash
Comrade Red - Red Skull
Mental Mouse - M.O.D.O.K.
Snowman - Abominable Snowman
The Silver Spooner - A Camp Gay Silver Surfer
Barbequor - Galactus
And many others!
Frank Welker : Krunk.
Get a Hold of Yourself, Man! : Major Glory says this word for word to Val Hallen in one episode.
Hulk Speak : Krunk.
Improbable Weapon User : Val Hallen fittingly used a guitar (or as he referred to it, his "Mighty Axe") as his weapon, and it was also the source of his powers; without it he becomes physically ill and reverts from a Viking-esque god of Rock to a scrawny, short-haired nerdy-looking guy, presumably his true form.
Lampshade Hanging : Ratman's backstory don't seem to add up.

I don't get it. Weren't the rats the ones who scared your parents away? And what's the motivation? Are you trying to avenge your parents or something?
What do you mean?

Laugh Track : Used to resemble the sitcoms it parodies.
Multilayer Facade : Krunk tries to take off the mask of Major Glory, only to reveal several layers of masks beneath it.
"Krunk stop Kat's reign of terror! Here kitty-kitty-kitty! "
Only Sane Man : Val Hallen, especially in 'Pain in the Mouth'.
The Power of Rock : Val Hallen.
Pro Wrestling Episode : "Rasslor" in Dial M For Monkey .
Punny Name : Val Hallen is both a pun on Valhalla and rock group Van Halen .
Rob Paulsen : Major Glory
"When I say ' Secret Identity ', I mean ' Secret Identity '!" (Major Glory after having his mask removed eight times, each one revealing another copy of the same mask)
Shout-Out : In "Can't Nap", after Major Glory gets locked out of the apartment by White Tiger...

I mean,

And two seconds later, Krunk walks out dressed as Wilma . With the Flinstones theme playing in the background.
... BO NK !
Tom Kenny : Val Hallen
The Tooth Hurts : One episode of the Justice Friends has them trying to avoid the dentist from fear of this. It's subverted: Krunk, the Hulk Captain Ersatz, only got a tortilla chip in his tooth—which just needed a simple, painless extraction—compared to all the idiotic stuff Major Glory tries to do to his tooth. The Aesop : Go to the dentist, or it'll hurt MORE.
Wearing a Flag on Your Head : Major Glory's cape.
Why Did It Have To Be Bees

The Guide To Novel Tropes

Welcome to the The Ultimate Guide to Novel Tropes . In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of novel tropes , diving deep into their functions and roles in crafting memorable, engaging stories that resonate with readers.

Tropes are recurring themes, patterns, or devices that serve as the building blocks of storytelling. They are an essential part of every writer's toolkit, helping to shape characters, plots, settings, and themes. While tropes can be found in all forms of literature, they are especially prevalent in genre fiction, such as science fiction , fantasy , romance , and mystery .

In this extensive guide, we will examine various types of tropes, discuss their functions, and provide examples of how they can be used effectively in your writing. We will also look at ways to subvert or avoid clichés and overused tropes, ensuring your novel remains fresh and captivating for your audience.

Whether you are a seasoned author or an aspiring writer, understanding tropes and their roles in storytelling is critical to your success. By mastering the use of tropes, you can create a novel that resonates with readers and stands the test of time.

Table of Contents

Popular Tropes in Novels

Character tropes: creating unforgettable personalities, plot tropes: crafting compelling storylines, setting tropes: building immersive worlds, theme tropes: conveying powerful messages, genre tropes: navigating popular fiction categories, subverting tropes: adding fresh twists to familiar concepts, avoiding clichés: keeping your novel original and engaging, analyzing examples: studying successful books and their tropes, integrating tropes: seamlessly weaving story elements together, frequently asked questions, further reading.

Tropes are recurring themes, motifs, or clichés found in storytelling. They serve as familiar patterns that writers can use to engage readers, invoke specific feelings, or convey complex ideas in an accessible way. From romance to horror, fantasy to mystery, tropes can be found across all genres, offering a vast canvas for creativity and exploration. Here's a look at some of the most popular tropes used in novels, providing a glimpse into the building blocks of compelling narratives.

Romance Tropes

Enemies to Lovers
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance Romance
Fake Relationships
Forced Proximity
Soulmates/Fated Lovers
Opposites Attract
Secret Romance
Love Triangle

Check out more detailed information with this article about tropes in romance novels.

Fantasy Tropes

The Chosen One
A World of Magic
Mythical Creatures and Legendary Beasts
The Epic Quest
Good vs. Evil
The Mentor Figure
Hidden Worlds and Lost Civilizations
Prophecies and Foretellings
The Power of Friendship and Love
Rags to Riches

Read more information about tropes in fantasy novels.

Science Fiction Tropes

Space Exploration and Interstellar Travel
Time Travel and Paradoxes
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
Alien Life Forms and First Contact
Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Worlds
Cyberpunk and Technological Dystopias
Mutations and Genetic Engineering
Parallel Universes and Multiverses
Eco-Science Fiction
The Singularity and Beyond
Space Travel Issues
Time Travel Issues
Alternate Universes
Everything is a Simulation
Aliens are Humans
Pure Energy Life Forms
Secretive Laboratory or Base
Mad Scientist
Bad Artificial Intelligence
Creating Monsters
Nanotechnology
Techno-babble
Dystopian Futures
Utopian Futures
Technologically Advanced
Technologically Stunted
Philosophical Discussions
Morals and Ethics

Read more information about tropes in science fiction novels.

Thriller Tropes

mysterious figure on pier - triller tropes

Broken Down Vehicle
Isolated Locale
Mysterious Stranger
Missing Person
Stalker or Unhinged Ex
Toxic Friendships and Cults
Powerful Protagonist
Fearful Protagonist
Victim Gets Revenge
So Many Weapons
So Many Bodies
So Many Lies
Intelligent Psychopath
Tight Circle of Suspects
Deadlines and Countdowns
Robberies and Heists
Unreliable Narrators
Unassuming Villain
Double Agents and Betrayal
Memory Loss
Parallel Timelines
Technological Threats
Psychological Manipulation

Read more information about tropes in thiller novels.

Summoning Evil
The Abandoned Place
Open Windows and Doors
Nightmare That May Have Been Real
Death to the Fornicators
Cursed Artifact
Finding Old Footage
Splitting Up
Inclement Nighttime Weather
Alone in a Dark House or Building
Mysterious Neighbor
No Trespassing
Seeing Things in Mirrors
Bad Guy That Won't Die
Feeling of Being Watched
Everywhere Monsters
No Communication
I'll Be Right Back
Women and Children Last
One Last Scare
The Unreliable Narrator
Forbidden Knowledge
Psychological Horror
The Inescapable Curse
The Doppelgänger or Evil Twin
Body Horror
The Ancient Evil Awakens
The Haunted Object
The Urban Legend Come to Life

Read more information about tropes in horror novels.

General Narrative Elements

The Mentor : An experienced advisor and teacher to the protagonist.
The Quest : A journey toward a specific mission or goal, often involving a group of characters.
Fish Out of Water : A character is taken out of their normal environment and must adapt to a new one.
Coming of Age : A young protagonist grows up and loses their innocence.
Rags to Riches : The classic tale of a protagonist rising from poverty to wealth and status.

Characters are the heart and soul of any story, and their development is crucial to creating an engaging and memorable narrative. Character tropes are patterns, traits, or archetypes that define a character's personality, role, or journey within a story. In this section, we will explore some popular character tropes and provide examples from well-known novels. We'll also discuss how to use these tropes effectively and avoid turning your characters into clichés.

Protagonist Archetypes

Protagonists drive the story forward and serve as the central focus for readers. There are several archetypal character tropes associated with protagonists, which can help shape their personalities, motivations, and conflicts. Some of these archetypes include:

The Hero: The classic protagonist who embarks on a quest to save the world, rescue a loved one, or achieve a great feat. Examples include Harry Potter from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and Frodo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings .
The Antihero: A complex protagonist who lacks traditional heroic qualities, often displaying morally ambiguous or questionable actions. Examples include Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series and Lisbeth Salander from Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo .
The Chosen One: A character destined to fulfill a prophecy or achieve greatness, often against their will or desires. Examples include Neo from The Matrix and Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games .

Supporting Character Tropes

Supporting characters provide depth and dimension to the story, enriching the protagonist's journey and creating memorable moments for readers. Some common character tropes for supporting characters include:

The Mentor: A wise and experienced guide who helps the protagonist develop skills and knowledge needed to overcome challenges. Examples include Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings and Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars .
The Sidekick: A loyal and supportive companion who accompanies the protagonist on their journey, often providing comic relief or emotional support. Examples include Ron Weasley from the Harry Potter series and Sancho Panza from Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote .
The Love Interest: A character who forms a romantic connection with the protagonist, often providing motivation or driving the plot forward. Examples include Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games .

Antagonist Archetypes

Antagonists serve as the primary obstacle or source of conflict for the protagonist, challenging their goals and pushing them to grow. Some common antagonist character tropes include:

The Villain: A malevolent character whose actions and goals are in direct opposition to the protagonist's objectives. Examples include Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter series and Sauron from The Lord of the Rings .
The Rival: A character who competes with the protagonist for a common goal, often pushing them to improve or overcome their weaknesses. Examples include Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter series and Aaron Burr from Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton .
The Monster: A creature or force that represents a physical or psychological threat to the protagonist, often embodying their fears or anxieties. Examples include the xenomorph from Ridley Scott's Alien and the White Walkers from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire .

Using Character Tropes Effectively

While character tropes can provide a solid foundation for your characters, it's essential to develop them beyond their archetypal roles to create unique and memorable personalities. Here are some tips for using character tropes effectively:

Add depth and complexity: Give your characters strengths, weaknesses, desires, and fears that make them relatable and multi-dimensional. Avoid one-dimensional or stereotypical portrayals.
Challenge expectations: Subvert or twist common tropes to create surprising and engaging character arcs. For example, give your hero a tragic flaw or your villain a redeeming quality.
Develop meaningful relationships: Create dynamic interactions between characters that showcase their personalities, drive the plot, and reveal hidden depths.
Focus on character growth: Allow your characters to evolve and change throughout the story, learning from their experiences and overcoming challenges.

By using character tropes as a starting point and building on them with depth, complexity, and growth, you can create unforgettable personalities that captivate readers and enrich your story.

Plot tropes are recurring patterns, structures, or themes that shape a story's narrative arc. They provide a framework for organizing and connecting story events, helping to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. In this section, we'll examine some popular plot tropes, discuss their functions, and provide examples from well-known novels. We'll also explore strategies for using plot tropes effectively and avoiding clichés.

Classic Plot Structures

Some plot tropes encompass entire story structures, providing a tried-and-true blueprint for organizing narrative events. These classic plot structures include:

The Hero's Journey: A monomyth popularized by Joseph Campbell, the Hero's Journey is a circular narrative structure that follows a protagonist as they leave their ordinary world, face trials and tribulations, and return home transformed. Examples include The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars .
The Three-Act Structure: A widely used storytelling framework that divides a narrative into three distinct sections: setup, confrontation, and resolution. Examples include Pride and Prejudice and The Godfather .
In Medias Res: A Latin phrase meaning "in the midst of things," in medias res is a plot trope where a story begins in the middle of the action, often using flashbacks or exposition to fill in backstory. Examples include Fight Club and The Iliad .

Common Plot Devices

Plot devices are specific narrative elements, events, or techniques that help advance the story, create conflict, or reveal character motivations. Some common plot devices include:

The MacGuffin: An object or goal that drives the plot by motivating characters to pursue it, even though it may have little intrinsic value or relevance to the story's outcome. Examples include the Maltese Falcon in The Maltese Falcon and the Holy Grail in Monty Python and the Holy Grail .
The Red Herring: A false clue or distraction designed to mislead characters or readers, often used in mystery or suspense stories. Examples include the numerous false leads in Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None and the many suspects in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo .
The Plot Twist: An unexpected turn of events that surprises characters and readers, often revealing new information or challenging established assumptions. Examples include the reveal in Fight Club and the twist ending of The Sixth Sense .

Using Plot Tropes Effectively

While plot tropes can provide a solid foundation for your story's structure, it's crucial to use them creatively and thoughtfully to craft a compelling narrative. Here are some tips for using plot tropes effectively:

Personalize the structure: Adapt classic plot structures to suit your story's unique characters, themes, and settings. Don't be afraid to deviate from the blueprint if it serves your narrative.
Subvert expectations: Play with reader expectations by subverting or twisting familiar plot tropes, creating surprises and keeping the narrative fresh and engaging.
Balance familiarity and originality: Use plot tropes as a starting point, but infuse your story with original ideas, unique characters, and unexpected events that make it stand out from the crowd.
Focus on character-driven plots: Ensure that your plot is driven by your characters' motivations, desires, and actions, rather than relying solely on external events or devices.

By using plot tropes as a foundation and building upon them with creativity, originality, and character-driven narratives, you can craft a compelling storyline that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression.

Setting tropes are recurring patterns or themes in the creation of fictional worlds, whether it be a specific location or an entire universe. These tropes can provide a familiar touchstone for readers while still allowing for originality and creativity in world-building. In this section, we'll discuss some popular setting tropes, explore how to use them effectively, and provide examples from well-known novels and series.

Familiar Settings

Some setting tropes are based on familiar, real-world locations or time periods, providing an easily recognizable foundation for readers. Examples of familiar setting tropes include:

The Small Town: A close-knit community with its own quirks, traditions, and secrets. Examples include the town of Maycomb in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and the village of Hogsmeade in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series .
The Big City: A bustling, diverse metropolis full of opportunities, challenges, and hidden dangers. Examples include New York City in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and the futuristic Los Angeles in Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
The Historical Setting: A real-world time period that provides a backdrop for the story's events, often incorporating historical events or figures. Examples include the French Revolution in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities and Renaissance Italy in Sarah Dunant's The Birth of Venus .

Fantastical Settings

Other setting tropes involve the creation of entirely new worlds, often featuring fantastical or supernatural elements. Examples of fantastical setting tropes include:

The High Fantasy World: A completely imaginary universe with its own history, geography, and rules, often inhabited by magical creatures and governed by mystical forces. Examples include Middle-earth in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and Westeros in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire .
The Dystopian Future: A bleak, oppressive vision of the future, often exploring themes of totalitarianism, dehumanization, and environmental collapse. Examples include the society of Panem in Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games and the world of Oceania in George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four .
The Parallel Universe: A world that exists alongside our own, often with subtle differences or alternate histories. Examples include the alternate reality in Philip K. Dick's The Man in the High Castle and the parallel Londons in V.E. Schwab's Shades of Magic series .

Using Setting Tropes Effectively

While setting tropes can provide a useful starting point for world-building, it's important to approach them with creativity and originality to create a truly immersive and engaging environment. Here are some tips for using setting tropes effectively:

Develop a rich backstory: Create a detailed history for your setting, including its founding, major events, and cultural traditions. This will provide depth and texture to your world, making it feel more alive and believable.
Focus on sensory details: Use vivid, evocative descriptions to help readers visualize your setting and immerse themselves in its sights, sounds, smells, and sensations.
Establish clear rules: Whether you're working with a magical system, advanced technology, or an alternate history, establish clear rules and limitations for your setting to maintain internal consistency and avoid confusing your readers.
Explore the setting's impact on characters: Consider how your setting shapes your characters' lives, beliefs, and actions, and use this to develop their motivations, conflicts, and relationships.

By approaching setting tropes with originality, depth, and attention to detail, you can create a vivid and immersive world that draws readers in and keeps them enthralled from start to finish.

Theme tropes are recurring patterns or motifs that explore universal human experiences, emotions, or values. These tropes can help authors communicate powerful messages and provoke thought and discussion among readers. In this section, we'll examine some popular theme tropes, discuss their functions, and provide examples from well-known novels. We'll also explore strategies for using theme tropes effectively and avoiding heavy-handed or clichéd messaging.

Common Theme Tropes

Some theme tropes explore fundamental aspects of human existence and resonate with readers across time and cultures. These universal themes include:

Coming of Age: A story in which a young protagonist experiences growth, self-discovery, and a transition from innocence to experience. Examples include J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird .
Love and Loss: A story that explores the power of love, the pain of loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Examples include Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights and F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby .
Good vs. Evil: A story that grapples with the eternal struggle between good and evil, often involving moral dilemmas, redemption, or the triumph of the human spirit. Examples include J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four .

Using Theme Tropes Effectively

While theme tropes can provide a meaningful framework for your story, it's essential to handle them with nuance and originality to avoid clichés and heavy-handed messaging. Here are some tips for using theme tropes effectively:

Show, don't tell: Rather than stating your theme outright, let it emerge naturally through your characters' actions, choices, and experiences. This will create a more engaging and thought-provoking reading experience.
Develop complex characters: Create multidimensional characters with unique motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. This will allow you to explore your theme from multiple perspectives and avoid oversimplifying complex issues.
Embrace ambiguity: Resist the temptation to offer clear-cut answers or moral lessons. Instead, allow your readers to grapple with the complexities and contradictions of your theme, encouraging reflection and debate.
Use symbolism and motifs: Employ recurring symbols, images, or events to subtly reinforce your theme and add depth to your narrative.

By approaching theme tropes with nuance, originality, and depth, you can convey powerful messages that resonate with readers and invite thoughtful discussion.

Genre tropes are recurring themes, devices, or conventions specific to a particular genre of fiction. These tropes help define and distinguish genres, providing familiar touchstones for readers while setting expectations for the story's content and style. In this section, we'll explore some common tropes associated with popular fiction genres, discuss how to use them effectively, and provide examples from well-known novels.

Mystery and Thriller Tropes

Mystery and thriller novels often involve suspense, intrigue, and the unraveling of hidden secrets. Some common tropes in these genres include:

The Locked Room Mystery: A crime, usually a murder, occurs in a seemingly inaccessible location, challenging the detective to solve the seemingly impossible. Examples include Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and Edgar Allan Poe's The Murders in the Rue Morgue .
The Unreliable Narrator: A story told by a narrator whose credibility is in doubt, leaving readers questioning the accuracy of their account. Examples include Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl and Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train .
The Red Herring: A misleading clue or false lead that distracts readers and characters from the true solution. Examples can be found in many Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and in Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None .

Science Fiction and Fantasy Tropes

Science fiction and fantasy genres often involve imaginative world-building, futuristic technology, or magical elements. Some common tropes in these genres include:

The Hero's Journey: A story in which the protagonist embarks on a transformative quest, often involving trials, mentors, and supernatural aid. Examples include J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and George Lucas' Star Wars .
Time Travel: A story involving characters traveling through time, either to the past or the future, often exploring the consequences of their actions. Examples include H.G. Wells' The Time Machine and Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife .
The Chosen One: A character prophesized or destined to save the world or achieve a great task. Examples include J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings .

Romance novels center on the development of romantic relationships, often featuring emotional conflicts, obstacles, and resolutions. Some common tropes in these genres include:

Enemies to Lovers: A story in which two characters who initially dislike or oppose each other eventually fall in love. Examples include Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Sally Thorne's The Hating Game .
Second Chance Romance: A story in which former lovers reunite and rekindle their relationship, often after overcoming past misunderstandings or mistakes. Examples include Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook and Colleen Hoover's It Ends with Us .
Fake Relationship: A story in which characters enter a fake romantic relationship for personal or practical reasons, but eventually develop genuine feelings for each other. Examples include Helen Hoang's The Kiss Quotient and Christina Lauren's The Unhoneymooners .

Using Genre Tropes Effectively

While genre tropes can provide a useful foundation for your story, it's important to approach them with creativity and originality to avoid clichés and predictable storytelling. Here are some tips for using genre tropes effectively:

Subvert expectations: Consider putting a fresh twist on a familiar trope or combining tropes in unexpected ways to create a unique and engaging story.
Focus on character development: Create complex, well-rounded characters who can bring depth and nuance to your chosen tropes, making them feel fresh and authentic.
Consider the implications: Explore the logical consequences of your chosen tropes and how they might impact your characters and their world, adding depth and believability to your story.
Play with genre conventions: Don't be afraid to bend or break genre conventions to create a more original and compelling narrative.

By approaching genre tropes with creativity, originality, and a willingness to challenge expectations, you can craft a captivating and memorable story that stands out in its genre.

Subverting tropes involves taking familiar concepts and putting a fresh spin on them, surprising your readers and breathing new life into your story. This approach can help you avoid clichés, create more engaging narratives, and challenge established genre conventions. In this section, we'll discuss various strategies for subverting tropes, provide examples from well-known novels, and offer tips for implementing these techniques in your own writing.

Strategies for Subverting Tropes

There are several ways to subvert tropes, each with its unique impact on your story. Here are some popular strategies:

Inversion: Reverse the roles or expectations associated with a trope, challenging your readers' preconceptions. For example, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series inverts the classic "noble hero" trope by featuring morally ambiguous characters and unexpected plot twists.
Deconstruction: Break down a trope to its core elements, examining the assumptions and implications underlying it. For example, Alan Moore's Watchmen deconstructs the superhero genre by exploring the psychological and societal consequences of vigilante justice.
Recontextualization: Place a familiar trope in a new context, highlighting different aspects or creating unexpected connections. For example, Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series recontextualizes the time-travel trope by combining it with historical fiction and romance elements.

Examples of Subverted Tropes

Many successful novels have subverted tropes to create fresh, engaging stories. Here are some notable examples:

The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games subverts the "damsel in distress" trope by featuring a strong, resourceful female protagonist who challenges traditional gender roles and expectations.
His Dark Materials: Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series subverts the "Chosen One" trope by questioning the idea of destiny and exploring the consequences of free will and personal choice.
Gone Girl: Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl subverts the "perfect marriage" trope by delving into the dark, hidden aspects of a seemingly idyllic relationship.

Tips for Subverting Tropes

When subverting tropes, keep the following tips in mind to ensure your story remains engaging and cohesive:

Understand the trope: Before you can subvert a trope, you need to understand its core elements and the expectations it creates for your readers. This will enable you to find fresh ways to twist or challenge those expectations.
Consider your genre: Think about the established conventions and tropes within your genre and how subverting them might impact your story's overall tone and style. Ensure that your subversions are still aligned with your genre's core appeal and reader expectations.
Balance familiarity and surprise: While subverting tropes can create engaging surprises, it's important not to stray too far from the familiar. Striking the right balance between familiarity and innovation will help you maintain reader engagement while still offering fresh perspectives.
Focus on character development: When subverting tropes, it's crucial to develop well-rounded, believable characters who can support and enhance the narrative twists you introduce. By grounding your story in strong character development, you'll ensure that your subversions feel organic and authentic.
Be mindful of pacing: Subverting tropes can sometimes lead to complex, multi-layered narratives. Be mindful of your story's pacing and structure, ensuring that your subversions don't overwhelm the core plot or confuse your readers.

Subverting tropes can be an effective way to create fresh, engaging stories that challenge reader expectations and breathe new life into familiar concepts. By understanding the core elements of tropes, considering your genre, and focusing on character development, you can successfully incorporate subversions into your writing and elevate your storytelling to new heights.

Clichés are overused expressions, ideas, or plot devices that can make your novel feel stale and unoriginal. To create a captivating and memorable story, it's essential to avoid clichés and find fresh, inventive ways to convey your narrative. In this section, we'll discuss common clichés in fiction, explore strategies for avoiding them, and provide examples of novels that successfully break from cliché conventions.

Common Clichés in Fiction

Some clichés are specific to particular genres, while others appear across various types of stories. Here are some common clichés to watch out for:

The Chosen One: A character destined for greatness, often tasked with saving the world or accomplishing an impossible feat. While this trope can be engaging, it's often overused and predictable.
Love Triangle: A romantic subplot involving three characters, typically with one character torn between two potential love interests. This cliché can feel repetitive and detract from the main storyline.
The Wise Mentor: An older, experienced character who guides the protagonist on their journey. While this character can provide valuable insight, relying too heavily on this trope can make your story feel formulaic.
Instant Expert: A character who quickly masters a skill or ability with little to no training or practice. This cliché can undermine the believability and relatability of your characters.

Strategies for Avoiding Clichés

Here are some strategies to help you avoid clichés and keep your novel original and engaging:

Read widely: The more you read, the more familiar you'll become with common clichés and conventions in your genre. This awareness can help you identify and avoid clichés in your own writing.
Focus on character development: Create complex, multi-dimensional characters with unique motivations, goals, and backgrounds. Well-developed characters can help your story feel fresh and engaging, even if it contains familiar plot elements.
Subvert expectations: As discussed earlier, subverting tropes can be an effective way to avoid clichés and create a more original, engaging story. Experiment with twisting or challenging familiar narrative conventions.
Find unique angles: Look for fresh, inventive ways to approach familiar story elements or themes. Consider new perspectives, settings, or character dynamics that can help your story stand out.
Revise and edit: As you revise your manuscript, be on the lookout for clichés and overused expressions. Replace them with more original, inventive language and storytelling techniques.

Examples of Novels Avoiding Clichés

Several novels have successfully avoided clichés, resulting in fresh, engaging stories that defy conventions:

The Night Circus: Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus avoids clichés by combining elements of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy in a unique, magical setting. The novel also explores unconventional character dynamics and relationships that break from traditional clichés.
Station Eleven: Emily St. John Mandel's Station Eleven defies post-apocalyptic fiction clichés by focusing on the importance of art, culture, and human connections in a world devastated by a deadly pandemic. The novel's non-linear structure and diverse character perspectives add to its originality.
A Man Called Ove: Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove avoids clichés in its portrayal of a grumpy, older protagonist. Through its focus on character development and gradual revelations about Ove's past, the novel creates a nuanced, empathetic portrait that goes beyond stereotypes.

Avoiding clichés is crucial for creating an original, engaging novel that captures your readers' attention and stands out in the crowded literary marketplace. By reading widely, focusing on character development, subverting expectations, and revising your manuscript, you can eliminate clichés and craft a fresh, memorable story that resonates with your audience.

One of the most effective ways to improve your own writing and better understand the use of tropes is to study successful books and analyze how they employ tropes, subvert clichés, and create engaging narratives. In this section, we'll discuss the benefits of analyzing examples, provide a step-by-step guide to studying successful books, and offer tips for applying your insights to your own writing.

Benefits of Analyzing Examples

Studying successful books can offer valuable insights into the craft of storytelling, including:

Understanding tropes: Analyzing examples can help you identify and understand common tropes in fiction, as well as how they can be used effectively or subverted for a fresh take.
Recognizing clichés: By examining how successful authors avoid clichés and create original narratives, you can learn strategies for keeping your own writing fresh and engaging.
Developing your craft: Studying well-written books can improve your writing skills, expand your literary vocabulary, and deepen your understanding of storytelling techniques.
Discovering inspiration: Reading and analyzing successful books can spark new ideas for your own writing, helping you generate unique concepts, characters, and plotlines.

Guide to Studying Successful Books

Follow these steps to analyze successful books and their use of tropes:

Choose a book: Select a successful book in your genre or one that features tropes you're interested in exploring. Consider choosing a book with a strong critical reception, awards, or commercial success.
Read closely: Read the book carefully, taking notes on plot, characters, themes, and other narrative elements. Focus on how the author employs tropes, subverts clichés, and develops their story.
Identify tropes and techniques: As you read, make a list of the tropes you notice and the techniques the author uses to make them engaging and original. Note any instances where tropes are subverted or clichés are avoided.
Analyze the impact: Consider the impact of the tropes and techniques on the overall story. How do they contribute to the plot, character development, and themes? What makes them effective or memorable?
Compare and contrast: Compare the book you're analyzing to other successful books in your genre or with similar tropes. How do they use tropes differently? What can you learn from these comparisons?
Apply insights to your writing: Reflect on the insights you've gained from analyzing the book and consider how you can apply them to your own writing. What techniques can you adopt, adapt, or avoid to make your story more engaging and original?

Tips for Applying Insights to Your Writing

Here are some tips for incorporating your analysis of successful books into your own writing:

Experiment with techniques: Don't be afraid to try out different techniques you've observed in successful books. Some may work well for your story, while others may not be a good fit. Experimenting will help you find the most effective methods for your unique narrative.
Learn from multiple examples: Analyze a variety of successful books to gain a broader understanding of tropes, techniques, and storytelling strategies. This will help you develop a more comprehensive toolkit for your own writing.
Be selective: While it's important to learn from successful examples, remember that not every technique or trope will be suitable for your story. Be selective and choose the elements that best support your narrative and characters.
Develop your voice: As you analyze and learn from successful books, focus on developing your unique writing voice. This will help your work stand out and resonate with readers.
Revise and refine: Use your newfound knowledge of tropes and storytelling techniques to revise and refine your manuscript. Be open to reworking your story to incorporate your insights and create a more engaging, original narrative.

Analyzing successful books and their use of tropes can provide valuable insights into the craft of storytelling, helping you understand how to employ tropes effectively, avoid clichés, and develop your own writing skills. By studying examples, applying your insights, and revising your work, you can create a captivating, original novel that captures the attention of readers and stands out in the literary marketplace.

Successfully integrating tropes into your novel requires skillful weaving of various story elements, such as characters, plot, setting, and themes. In this section, we'll explore strategies for seamlessly incorporating tropes into your story and creating a cohesive, engaging narrative.

Creating Consistency

Consistency is key to integrating tropes effectively. Ensure that your use of tropes aligns with your overall story, character arcs, and themes:

Character consistency: Develop your characters in a way that is consistent with the tropes you choose. For example, if you're using a Chosen One trope, make sure the character's actions and decisions align with their role and destiny.
Plot consistency: Ensure that the tropes you incorporate contribute to the progression of your plot and don't disrupt the story's flow. Avoid including tropes that feel forced or out of place in your narrative.
Setting consistency: When using setting tropes, make sure they're consistent with the world you've built. For example, if your story takes place in a Standard Fantasy Setting , ensure that the tropes you include align with the rules, history, and culture of that world.
Theme consistency: Choose tropes that support and reinforce your story's themes. Avoid using tropes that contradict or undermine the messages you're trying to convey.

Balancing Originality and Familiarity

When integrating tropes, it's important to strike a balance between originality and familiarity. Readers enjoy the comfort of familiar tropes, but they also appreciate fresh takes and unexpected twists:

Subvert expectations: Give familiar tropes a fresh twist by subverting reader expectations. For example, if you're using the Love Triangle trope, consider having the protagonist choose neither of the romantic interests, instead opting for personal growth and independence.
Combine tropes: Combine multiple tropes in new and interesting ways to create unique story elements. This can result in fresh, engaging narratives that feel both familiar and original.
Develop your characters: Focus on creating well-rounded, complex characters that go beyond trope stereotypes. This will help your story feel more original and engaging, even if you're using familiar tropes.

Weaving Story Elements Together

Integrating tropes effectively requires skillful weaving of various story elements. Here are some tips for seamlessly incorporating tropes into your narrative:

Plan ahead: Outline your story and identify which tropes you'd like to include. This will help you ensure that your use of tropes is purposeful and contributes to your overall narrative.
Layer tropes: Introduce tropes gradually, layering them throughout your story. This will create depth and complexity in your narrative, while also preventing any single trope from dominating the story.
Interconnect elements: Connect the tropes you use to other story elements, such as character relationships, plot developments, and themes. This will help create a cohesive, engaging narrative that feels unified and purposeful.
Use tropes to enhance conflict: Employ tropes to generate tension, raise the stakes, and create compelling conflicts in your story. This can help drive your plot forward and keep readers engaged.
Reveal tropes gradually: Rather than revealing all aspects of a trope at once, consider unveiling them gradually throughout your story. This can create suspense and keep readers eager to learn more.

Using Tropes Responsibly

Finally, it's essential to use tropes responsibly and be aware of potential pitfalls:

Avoid stereotypes: Be mindful of the potential for stereotypes when using character tropes. Focus on creating complex, three-dimensional characters that defy stereotypes and feel authentic.
Consider sensitivity: Be aware of sensitive or controversial tropes and handle them with care. Consider the potential impact on your readers and make thoughtful choices about which tropes to include and how to approach them.
Reevaluate clichés: Continually reassess your use of tropes to ensure they don't become clichéd or stale. Be willing to revise and rework your story to maintain originality and reader engagement.

Integrating tropes into your novel requires careful planning, weaving of story elements, and a balance between originality and familiarity. By creating consistency, subverting expectations, and using tropes responsibly, you can craft a compelling, engaging story that resonates with readers and stands out in the literary marketplace.

What are tropes in books?

Tropes in books are recurring themes, motifs, or clichés that are commonly found in literature. They serve as familiar touchstones for readers and can range from plot devices, character types, to specific settings or storylines. While tropes can provide a framework, they should be used creatively to avoid making a story predictable or unoriginal.

What is the most common book trope?

The 'Hero's Journey' is arguably the most common book trope. It involves a protagonist who embarks on an adventure, faces conflicts, and eventually returns home changed or transformed. This universal trope resonates across various genres and cultures, appearing in countless narratives from ancient myths to modern novels.

What is a romance trope?

A romance trope is a recurring theme or motif in love stories. Examples include 'enemies to lovers', where characters start off disliking each other and eventually fall in love, or 'second chance romance', where former lovers reunite and rekindle their relationship. These tropes provide familiar patterns that shape romantic narratives.

What is the forbidden romance trope?

The forbidden romance trope involves a love story between characters who face external obstacles or societal disapproval that makes their relationship challenging or taboo. This could include differences in class, family rivalries, or other factors that add tension and drama to the narrative, often leading to a deeply emotional or tragic storyline.

How do I subvert a trope without confusing my readers?

To subvert a trope without confusing readers, ensure that your subversion is clear, logical, and consistent with your story. Foreshadow the subversion, provide context, and make sure it aligns with your characters' motivations and actions. This way, the subversion will feel intentional and satisfying, rather than confusing or arbitrary.

How can I avoid relying too heavily on tropes in my writing?

To avoid relying too heavily on tropes, focus on developing original characters, plots, and settings that go beyond familiar archetypes. Use tropes as starting points or inspirations, but don't let them dictate your entire story. By concentrating on creating a unique narrative and well-rounded characters, you can incorporate tropes without your writing feeling derivative or clichéd.

How can I identify tropes that will resonate with my target audience?

To identify tropes that will resonate with your target audience, research popular books, movies, and TV shows within your genre or target demographic. Analyze the tropes and storytelling techniques they employ to understand what appeals to your audience. Additionally, consider participating in online forums, social media groups, or book clubs to gain insights into reader preferences and expectations. Use this information to guide your selection of tropes and storytelling techniques that will engage and resonate with your target readers.

For readers interested in deepening their understanding of tropes and storytelling techniques, the following non-fiction books offer valuable insights and guidance:

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell - This seminal work explores the concept of the hero's journey, a universal narrative pattern found in stories across cultures and throughout history. Campbell's analysis of this archetypal story structure can help writers better understand and employ tropes related to heroism and personal transformation.
Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder - A popular guide to screenwriting, this book offers valuable insights into story structure, character development, and plot points that can be applied to novel writing as well. Snyder's "beat sheet" approach provides a useful framework for understanding and utilizing storytelling tropes effectively.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King - Part memoir, part writing guide, this book offers an intimate look at the creative process of one of the world's most successful authors. King shares his experiences with storytelling techniques and tropes, as well as practical advice on the craft of writing. This book is a valuable resource for any writer seeking to hone their skills and create compelling stories.

Understanding and effectively using novel tropes can greatly enhance your storytelling and help you create a successful book. By exploring character, plot, setting, theme, and genre tropes, you can craft engaging stories that resonate with readers. Subverting and avoiding clichés ensures your novel remains fresh and original, while analyzing examples from successful books provides invaluable insights into the effective use of tropes.

As you integrate tropes into your writing, it's essential to weave story elements together seamlessly and responsibly. This creates a cohesive, engaging narrative that captures readers' imaginations. In addition, by diving into further reading, such as The Hero with a Thousand Faces , Save the Cat! , and On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft , you can deepen your understanding of storytelling techniques and tropes, and further refine your writing skills.

In conclusion, novel tropes are powerful tools that, when used effectively, can elevate your writing and contribute to the success of your book. By mastering the art of using tropes, you can create captivating stories that stand out in today's competitive literary landscape and leave a lasting impact on your readers.

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What is Trope Definition And Examples

Table of Contents

A trope is a figure of speech or a storytelling device that represents a recurring pattern or theme in literature, film, art, or any other form of creative expression. Tropes are common and recognizable conventions or motifs that convey familiar ideas, characters, situations, or symbols. They serve as narrative tools that allow creators to communicate ideas efficiently and connect with the audience’s shared understanding and expectations.

What is Theme Definition And Examples
What is Syntax Definition And Examples

Tropes can take various forms, including figures of speech, character archetypes, plot devices, symbols, or thematic elements. What is Trope Definition And Examples They can be used to create depth, convey meaning, evoke emotions, or subvert expectations. What is Trope Definition And Examples While some tropes may be clichéd or predictable, skilled creators can employ them in innovative and creative ways, adding complexity and depth to their works.

Examples of Tropes:

The Hero’s Journey: This trope describes the archetypal narrative structure in which a protagonist embarks on an adventure, faces challenges, undergoes transformation, and returns home. It is commonly found in epic tales and fantasy literature, such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” or Homer’s “The Odyssey.”
The Damsel in Distress: This trope portrays a female character who is in need of rescue by a male hero. It has been widely used in traditional fairy tales, where the helpless princess awaits her knight in shining armor. However, contemporary storytelling often subverts this trope by presenting strong, independent female characters who can save themselves.
The Wise Old Mentor: This trope features a wise and experienced character who guides and instructs the protagonist on their journey. Examples include Obi-Wan Kenobi in the “Star Wars” franchise or Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings.” The mentor provides wisdom, knowledge, and often sacrifices themselves for the hero’s development.
The Love Triangle: This trope involves a romantic relationship between three characters, typically two love interests competing for the affection of the protagonist. It creates tension and conflict within the narrative and is frequently seen in romance novels, young adult fiction, and soap operas.
The “Chosen One”: This trope centers around a protagonist who is destined for a special role or has a unique ability to save the world or fulfill a prophecy. Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling’s series or Neo in “The Matrix” exemplify this trope. The chosen one narrative often explores themes of destiny, self-discovery, and the weight of responsibility.
The Red Herring: This trope involves the deliberate introduction of a misleading clue or character to divert the audience’s attention from the true solution or outcome. It is commonly used in mystery novels or suspenseful storytelling to create suspense, misdirection, and surprise.
The “Happily Ever After”: This trope represents the conventional ending where the main characters achieve a state of happiness, contentment, or fulfillment. It is frequently found in fairy tales and romance stories, offering a sense of closure and resolution to the narrative.
The Deus Ex Machina: This trope refers to a sudden and unexpected event or character intervention that resolves a seemingly unsolvable problem or conflict. It can be criticized for being a contrived or convenient plot device, but when used effectively, it can offer surprising resolutions or twists.

Importance and Impact of Tropes:

Tropes play a significant role in storytelling and creative expression. What is Trope Definition And Examples They serve as a shared language between creators and audiences, allowing for efficient communication and engagement. What is Trope Definition And Examples Tropes tap into familiar patterns and expectations, creating a sense of recognition and connection with the audience.

By utilizing tropes, creators can establish a foundation of familiarity while also subverting or challenging expectations to generate intrigue and surprise. What is Trope Definition And Examples Tropes can evoke emotions, convey complex ideas, or comment on social or cultural phenomena. What is Trope Definition And Examples They can be employed to reinforce or challenge stereotypes, address universal themes, or explore human experiences.

Additionally, tropes contribute to the evolution of genres and artistic traditions. What is Trope Definition And Examples They provide a framework within which creators can innovate, experiment, and push boundaries. Tropes can be revisited, reimagined, and deconstructed, allowing for the exploration of new perspectives and narratives.

However, tropes can also be limiting or lead to predictability and clichés if not used creatively or critically. Overreliance on tropes without originality or fresh approaches can result in works that feel formulaic or unoriginal. What is Trope Definition And Examples Balancing the use of tropes with innovation and individual creativity is crucial for creating engaging and impactful storytelling.

Tropes are an integral part of storytelling and creative expression. What is Trope Definition And Examples They provide a shared language and familiar patterns that connect creators and audiences. What is Trope Definition And Examples Tropes can evoke emotions, convey ideas, and contribute to the evolution of genres. What is Trope Definition And Examples While tropes can be powerful narrative tools, their effectiveness relies on creative and innovative usage to avoid predictability and clichés. What is Trope Definition And Examples Balancing the use of tropes with originality and fresh approaches allows for engaging and impactful storytelling.

Q. Are tropes exclusive to literature and film?

Ans. No, tropes can be found in various forms of creative expression, including literature, film, television, art, music, and even everyday conversations. Tropes are storytelling devices that exist in any medium that communicates ideas and narratives.

Q. Can tropes change over time?

Ans. Yes, tropes can evolve and change as cultural, social, and artistic contexts shift. As society progresses and narratives adapt to new perspectives and values, tropes may be reimagined, subverted, or abandoned altogether.

Q. Are all tropes considered clichés?

Ans. Not all tropes are considered clichés. While some tropes have become overused or predictable, skilled creators can employ them in innovative and creative ways, adding depth and complexity to their works. It’s the fresh interpretation and execution of tropes that can make them feel engaging and original.

Q. Can tropes be subverted or deconstructed?

Ans. Yes, tropes can be subverted or deconstructed. Subversion involves deliberately defying audience expectations associated with a particular trope, while deconstruction involves critically analyzing and examining the underlying assumptions and implications of a trope. Subverting or deconstructing tropes can provide opportunities for new perspectives and storytelling approaches.

Q. Are tropes essential for effective storytelling?

Ans. Tropes are not essential for effective storytelling, but they can be valuable tools for creators to communicate ideas efficiently and establish connections with their audience. Tropes provide a familiar framework that audiences can relate to, allowing for a more immersive and engaging storytelling experience. However, creative storytelling can also exist without relying heavily on established tropes.

Q. Can tropes be culturally specific?

Ans. Yes, tropes can be influenced by cultural contexts and may vary across different cultures and societies. Some tropes may be more prevalent in specific cultural narratives, while others may be universal and transcend cultural boundaries. It’s important to consider the cultural implications and interpretations of tropes when analyzing their usage in a particular work.

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What was the point of the Vault Tec experiments if there was no one around to view them?

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Unwitting Test Subject
The difference between an Unwitting Test Subject and Tested on Humans is that with the latter some sort of weapon or destructive device is tested on a subject for show; for example, to humorous effect, just as a more or less random target to demonstrate how awesomely powerful a weapon is. A person who's a victim of Tested on Humans pretty ...
Raised in a Lab
The Fly II: Martin Brundle was raised in a laboratory at Bartok Industries since he was the only offspring of the mutated scientist Seth Brundle and his lover Veronica Quaife, and the CEO who funded Seth's experiments wanted to observe how Martin's dormant fly genes would manifest themselves.; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: Rocket Raccoon was created and raised by the High Evolutionary, a ...
Escaped from the Lab
Batman: . Technically, it was a prison, but the experiments conducted upon Bane at Peña Dura are an important part of his background.; Cassandra Cain escaped from a psychological lab rather than a chemical or biological one. She was an experiment by her father in raising a child as a perfect killer by raising them without any exposure to spoken language, leaving her able to read human body ...
Tested on Humans
Tested on Humans. This product was not tested on animals. Write us and let us know what happens! The Necromancer, Evil Sorcerer, Mad Scientist, or Big Bad tests or demonstrates their latest weapon; not on beer cans or inoffensive paper targets like any decent Gun Nut would, but on live human beings! Definitely a subtrope of Kick the Dog.
Lilo & Stitch
This is the character sheet for the many genetic experiments made by Dr. Jumba Jookiba (in other words, Stitch and his "cousins") in Disney's Lilo & Stitch franchise, most of whom debuted in Lilo & Stitch: The Series, with some having debuted in the anime series, Stitch!. note The numbers of the experiments are almost exclusively pronounced as ...
Experiment Show
An educational science show that uses demonstration and experiment as its primary means of conveying information. When Mythbusters hit the airwaves in the year 2003 and became extremely popular, a number of Follow the Leader shows began appearing in its wake, leading to a new breed of Edutainment . The crux of these shows is that they ask ...
Serial Experiments Lain (Anime)
Serial Experiments Lain is an anime original created by Yasuyuki Ueda and written by Chiaki J. Konaka. The characters were designed by Yoshitoshi ABe, and the animation was made by Triangle Staff with direction given by Ryutaro Nakamura. All 13 episodes of the series aired on TV Tokyo from July 1998 to September of that same year.
Ten tropes you'll find in science fiction
Here are ten of science fiction's most common tropes...and how they've evolved. Suggested Reading. Waves of Methane Are Crashing on the Coasts of Saturn's Bizarre Moon Titan. Yes, That Was Who You ...
Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain is a Japanese anime television series created and co-produced by Yasuyuki Ueda, written by Chiaki J. Konaka and directed by Ryūtarō Nakamura.Animated by Triangle Staff and featuring original character designs by Yoshitoshi Abe, the series was broadcast for 13 episodes on TV Tokyo and its affiliates from July to September 1998. . The series follows Lain Iwakura, an ...
Experiment Show
An educational science show that uses demonstration and experiment as its primary means of conveying information. When MythBusters hit the airwaves in the year 2003 and became extremely popular, a number of Follow the Leader shows began appearing in its wake, leading to a new breed of Edutainment.. The crux of these shows is that they ask questions about the world around us, then set out to ...
Russian Sleep Experiment
The Russian Sleep Experiment is a creepypasta which tells the tale of 5 test subjects being exposed to an experimental sleep-inhibiting stimulant in a Soviet-era scientific experiment, and has become the basis of an urban legend. Many news organizations, including Snopes, News.com.au, and LiveAbout, trace the story's origins to a website, now known as the Creepypasta Wiki, being posted on ...
Serial Experiments Lain
An erudite, confusing and chilling anime from the late 1990s, Serial Experiments Lain is creepy cool Seinen Cyberpunk, as well as a notable Mind Screw in the genre. Shonen has Neon Genesis Evangelion, Shojo has Revolutionary Girl Utena, and seinen has Lain. The show takes an information-rich dive deep into the nature of reality and truth, and in the process leads the viewer to come to his or ...
10 Overused Sci-Fi TV Tropes (& Which Shows Did Them Best)
10 Overused Sci-Fi TV Tropes (& Which Shows Did Them Best) Doctor Who executes time travel with skill, using the Doctor's TARDIS to explore endless adventures without the worry of disturbing the future. Foundation's innovative use of cloning, with multiple active clones of Cleon ruling the galaxy, allows for different iterations of the ...
Stereotropes
Stereotropes - tropes. Some of the greatest reflections on society take place in film, through complex characters, often falling into familiar patterns called "Tropes". Tropes are devices and conventions that a writer can rely on as being present in the audience's minds. Stereotropes is an interactive experiment, exploring a set of tropes ...
Dexter's Laboratory
One of Cartoon Network's earliest original series, Dexter's Laboratory originated as one of the World Premiere Toons, a series of short cartoons solicited through a contest for nonprofessional animators. (The Powerpuff Girls was also brought in through this contest, and note that the two shows seem to take place in the same universe, and seem to share similar styles. Craig McCracken and Genndy ...
Is there a name for this thought experiment/trope?
Not sure if there's another word for this either as another thought experiment or cosmic horror trope but the best I can describe is, Instead of replacing parts from the ship of theseus with identical, functional parts, you just replace them with parts of other random things instead.
The Guide To Novel Tropes
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of novel tropes, diving deep into their functions and roles in crafting memorable, engaging stories that resonate with readers. Tropes are recurring themes, patterns, or devices that serve as the building blocks of storytelling. They are an essential part of every writer's toolkit, helping ...
What is Trope Definition And Examples
A trope is a figure of speech or a storytelling device that represents a recurring pattern or theme in literature, film, art, or any other form of creative expression. Tropes are common and recognizable conventions or motifs that convey familiar ideas, characters, situations, or symbols. They serve as narrative tools that allow creators to ...
The Military as a Social Experiment: Challenging a Trope
The Military as a Social Experiment: Challenging a Trope. Authors. Jacqueline E. Whitt Elizabeth A. Perazzo. Digital Object Identifier (DOI) 10.55540/0031-1723.2940. Recommended Citation.
Lilo & Stitch
Individual confirmed experiments, including screenshots of such, are not included here. Images of unseen experiments whose computer designs were shown can be found on the article for Jumba's Computer. For more images of experiments, please see the separate gallery pages of the individual experiments found throughout this wiki.
93 Book Tropes That Writers Need To Know About
31 Fantasy Book Tropes. The chosen one: A protagonist who is destined to save the world or defeat the ultimate villain. The orphaned protagonist: A protagonist who is alone in the world or separated from their family. The wise old wizard/mentor: A wise and powerful figure who guides the protagonist and helps them on their journey.
What was the point of the Vault Tec experiments if there was ...
Vault Tec's plan was to keep their executives and important people somewhere safe. Then, after a period of time if they deemed the outside safe enough to live. They would collect all the experiment data they gathered and open up most of the vaults by sending an all clear. If the US military would have still been around by that time, the ...
Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain. An erudite, confusing, and chilling anime from the late 1990s, Serial Experiments Lain is Creepy Awesome seinen cyberpunk, as well as a notable Mind Screw …. Cyberpunk.