When the protagonist’s plot fails at the last minute, but just when it seems that all hope is lost, it turns out that the failure of this plot was all part of the PLOTTIER PLOT OF SECONDARY CHARACTER, who knew all along that they couldn’t succeed unless Protagonist’s plan failed, or that this failure would open up an opportunity for an even greater success that they’d been cleverly working towards the entire time.
Often seen in heists and thrillers, but a surprising number of fantasy novels too, and even romances. I’m such a sucker for the secret mastermind reveal.
What about you, what’s your favorite trope?
As long as the story isn’t predictable while still making sense to a rational thinking individual, I’m happy.
I like stories about the encounters of very different civilizations and the result of these difference. (Is that a trope?)
I love stories messing up with the space-time continuum. (Is that a trope?) But they have to be smart and exact. (So many stories about that fail on the logical front)