Trope Workshop:Regression

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Have you ever wished you could go back in time and fix something in your life?

In the regression trope, a character, often the female protagonist, finds themselves transported back to a specific point in their past. The key twist? They retain all the memories and experiences they gained from their first time around. Imagine a rewind button on your life. Armed with this foreknowledge, they get a do-over, a chance to rewrite their story. This gives them an unique advantage, but changing the future also creates a complex web of challenges.

Why do authors use regression? There are several reasons:

• Righting Past Wrongs: The protagonist gets a chance to fix mistakes made in their previous relationship. Did they confess their feelings too late? Did a misunderstanding lead to a break-up? Regression allows for a more fulfilling outcome.
• The Power of Choice: The concept of "second chances" is a powerful theme explored in regression stories. The protagonist can alter their actions, leading them towards a happier romantic future. This empowers readers and reinforces the idea that we can control our destinies.
• Suspenseful Navigation: With future knowledge in hand, the protagonist navigates the new timeline, creating exciting tension and suspense. Will they use their knowledge wisely to achieve their desired outcome? Or will unforeseen circumstances throw a wrench into their carefully crafted plans?
• Deeper Character Development: Knowing the future adds a layer of complexity to the characters' motivations and development. They may struggle with the urge to reveal secrets or manipulate situations, forcing them to make difficult choices that impact their relationships.

The regression is often triggered through a near-death experience, actually dying, divine intervention, or a magical artifact. In some cases, they don't actually travel back in time, but just have a very long dream. Think a long-winded prophetic dream. And others actually reincarnate, while keeping their memories from their previous life.

While this trope allows for sweet "do-over" scenarios and satisfying wish fulfillment, it can also be criticized for undermining the natural development of relationships and potentially negating the emotional impact of past experiences.

Compare with the Groundhog Day Loop. May involve the butterfly effect in deterministic settings where you cannot fight fate, Secret Keeper as they have to keep the fact that they've regressed to themselves. See also Set Right What Once Went Wrong and My Greatest Second Chance.

Examples of Regression include:

Anime and Manga

• Lucia: The titular heroine merely has a very long dream, wakes up and decides that she does not want to live that kind of life.
• Another Typical Fantasy Romance
• Mushoku Tensei