Tropes are common themes, motifs, or elements that appear repeatedly in a particular genre or type of storytelling. They can be narrative devices, character types, plot points, settings, or situations that are familiar and recognizable to the audience. Tropes can serve as shorthand for conveying ideas or emotions, helping to quickly establish certain expectations or provide a familiar framework for the story.

For example, in science fiction, common tropes include "the spaceship crew," "the dystopian future," or "the artificial intelligence gone rogue." In fantasy, you might find tropes like "the chosen one," "the magical quest," or "the wise mentor." While tropes are not inherently good or bad, their effectiveness depends on how creatively they are used or subverted to provide fresh and engaging stories.