The chosen one trope is one of my favorites, and since the cover for my book, Rebel, Brave and Brutal, is being revealed today, and since my main character falls into this category, I think it’s the perfect time to discuss why I love it so much.

Real quick: The cover reveal for Rebel, Brave and Brutal is live! Tap this link to see the cover, read the summary, and enter to win an advance copy!

Before we talk about the chosen one stories, let’s talk about what a trope is, and why they’re useful to both readers and writers.

A trope is something of a cliché, a device that is used so often within a genre it’s become commonplace or expected. Unsurprising, to say the least.

Some common tropes in young adult literature:

-the love triangle

-soft-hearted tough guy

-enemies to lovers

-one bed, two characters

-the absent parents

-the orphan hero

-fake boyfriend/girlfriend

-a town too small for the protagonist’s big dreams

-opposites attract

-ugly duckling turns into a swan

-the dependable sidekick

-the reluctant hero

I bet these concepts/character types sound a bit familiar to you!

Even if you don’t read teen fiction, it’s easy to see many of the most popular YA tropes included in books of all genres, for all age groups. And there’s a good reason for that: Authors depend on tropes because they appeal to a wide array of readers. In short, tropes work. And they work because when they’re done well, they illustrate or draw on a universal truth or desire.

A large percentage of readers can either identify with or sympathize with many of the same situations. We have much in common, and that is clearly seen when we read fiction book summaries. In fact, the next time you’re at the bookstore, work your way down an aisle picking up books and reading the back or inside flap. My guess is you’ll be able to pick out a trope or two that repeats itself again and again.

While tropes can take a lot of heat for contributing to unoriginal storytelling, the trick isn’t to avoid tropes altogether, but to put your own spin on them. And therein lies the magic. Take what readers want and can identify with, and breath new life into it or show it from a different angle. Most of the time, trying too hard to be unique can be stumbling block. So, instead of trying to be the most original storyteller in the world, shoot for authentic. That’s even better.

But I digress!

The chosen one! That’s why we’re here today, to discuss just why it’s among my favorite tropes. I bet you can think of a few books that lean into the idea of a chosen one, a savior, the only one who can save humanity. A few off the top of my head:

-Harry Potter from . . . well, you know.

-Neo from the Matrix

-Frodo from the Lord of the Rings

-Alina Starkov from Shadow and Bone

-Katniss Everdeen from Hunger Games

and of course

-Sylvi Quine from Winter, White and Wicked

What I love about these six characters specifically is that they all ascended to chosen one status by different means. Harry Potter and Neo ended up there because of a prophecy. Frodo inherited a ring and a task he would have willingly given away (also the reluctant hero). Alina Starkov was born with a singular power. Katniss volunteered to fight to protect her sister, and this selfless act endeared her to a nation. And then, Sylvi Quine, the hero from Winter, White and Wicked, was born into responsibilities she knew nothing about.

The original chosen one, of course, is Jesus Christ. The God-man come to die for the world. This pattern is evident in so many chosen one stories, but while a great sacrifice is often demanded of fictional chosen ones, it isn’t always their life they forfeit. And it goes without saying, our heroes are rarely sinless.

Therein lies the greatest advice I could ever give for using tropes in your writing. They are to be leaned into, not mimicked. Tropes give us a heading, not a map. How you get to your destination is entirely up to you, and the journey is what will resonate with your readers.

Take me, for example. The reason I’m so drawn to chosen one stories isn’t because one character gets to be more special and that somehow reflects reality. No, not at all. The reason I’m drawn to chosen one stories is because in our own ways, and in our own spheres of influence, we are often thrust into the hero’s role whether we like it or not. And if we don’t find ourselves pushed into such a job, we can certainly choose to be chosen.

Every one of us can stand for the downtrodden. We can use the power we’re given to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. We each have gifts, and when they’re called into service, we get to decide whether or not to use them.

I love watching characters choose bravery over fear, others over themselves, right over comfortable. I love it because it’s real. Because in my life, and in those around me, it’s a daily choice.

So, yes. I love chosen one stories. But it’s the journey that captivates me. The falling and the getting back up. The pushing forward because it matters. The fighting because there are things worth fighting for. Every bit of that resonates with me because we fall, we push, and we fight. The humanity inside these often superhuman characters is what I love. It inspires me.

And today, I wonder if there are tropes that inspire you.

Tell me, do you have a favorite trope? Are there tropes you’re tired of seeing? Or maybe you love how an author has given an old trope a fresh feel? I’d love to hear about it!

Shannon Dittemore is an author and speaker. Her books include the Angel Eyes trilogy, a supernatural foray into the realm of angels and demons, as well as the fantastical adventure novel Winter, White and Wicked. Its sequel, Rebel, Brave and Brutal is due out January 10, 2023.

Shannon’s stories feature strong female leads grappling with fear and faith as they venture into the wilds of the unknown. She’s often wondered if she’s writing her own quest for bravery again and again.

It’s a choice she values highly. Bravery. And she’s never more inspired than when young people ball up their fist and punch fear in the face.

To that end, Shannon takes great joy in working with young writers, both in person and online at Go Teen Writers, an instructional blog recognized by Writer’s Digest four years running as a “101 Best Websites for Writers” selection.

For more about Shannon and her books, please visit her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.