Clichés: Familiar and Often Ridiculed
Clichés are as inevitable as they are controversial in the world of literature. They are like old friends – familiar and sometimes welcome, but often worn out. They help readers quickly find
their footing in a story but can just as easily drag it into mediocrity if not used in a surprising or nuanced way.
Clichés: A Tool, Not a Judgment
Like any stylistic device, clichés are neither inherently good nor bad – it depends on how they are used. When applied effectively, they can set up expectations that are then subverted to create
tension or provoke reflection. A prime example is the trope of the “chosen heroine” in my Night Dance tetralogy. Protagonist Zayla initially appears to embody the classic image of the
beautiful and gifted heroine. However, her extraordinary talent is not just a gift but deeply rooted in trauma and emotional pain – breaking with the idealized notion of “heroism.” This
deliberate subversion allows her character to grow beyond the cliché.
The “Noble Savage” Trope: A Literary Relic?
One of the most prominent clichés in literature is that of the “noble savage,” as popularized in Germany by Karl May’s Winnetou. This character symbolizes moral purity and a natural
wisdom that stands in contrast to the supposedly decadent Western world. Yet, as appealing as this image may seem at first glance, it becomes problematic upon closer inspection. Indigenous
cultures are romanticized while simultaneously being reduced to stereotypical traits like “purity” and “wisdom.” The complex, often contradictory realities of Indigenous identity and history
remain hidden beneath this veneer.
In the Night Dance saga, I revisit and expand on this trope. Logan, one of the central characters, is the descendant of a legendary Lakota warrior leader. He embodies elements of the “noble savage” but is also shaped by modern attributes, including his dual American and Australian citizenship. His spirituality and worldview are deeply rooted in his family’s traditions but also marked by the traumas of his childhood. This duality of tradition and modernity, coupled with inner conflict, gives him a complexity that goes beyond the cliché.
Why Clichés Should Not Be Demonized
Clichés can enrich a story when used thoughtfully. Playing with them deliberately allows writers to give readers a familiar foundation that can be subverted with unexpected twists or deeper
meaning. In the Night Dance saga, I use clichés to explore themes like identity, trauma, and healing, while also challenging readers’ expectations.
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Conclusion: Clichés as Mirrors of Our Expectations
Ultimately, clichés often say more about the society that created them than about the characters themselves. They reflect collective desires, fears, and projections. But this is precisely where
their potential lies: by breaking, expanding, or questioning them, we can create not only engaging stories but also deeper insights into ourselves and our world.
How do you feel about clichés in novels? Do you use them consciously, or do you try to avoid them? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💬✨
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