It might be a cliche, a character archetype, a trope, a setting, a theme, anything. Which are the ones that make you enjoy the work more? Which are the ones that you hate to see? And which are the ones who you’d be fine with, if not so overused?
It might be a cliche, a character archetype, a trope, a setting, a theme, anything. Which are the ones that make you enjoy the work more? Which are the ones that you hate to see? And which are the ones who you’d be fine with, if not so overused?
I’ll start. When it comes to protagonists:
I’m tired of bland, “average person” protagonists. I get that they’re a bit more relatable, and it would be OK if they weren’t every freaking where, but at this rate they make me roll my eyes and say “oh great, yet another of those…” (Example: Tadashi, from Alcafus. I’ve seen rocks with more personality than him.)
I hate meaningless big numbers. Who cares if your protag’s power level is 1 billion or 1 trillion, if the average human is 10? At some point the number loses any meaning. (Example: Isekai Cheat Magician.)
On the other hand, I love when the protag has some issue that makes you say “dude… that’s fucked up”. They might be less relatable, but this makes them look a bit more people and less like a shell written “insert yourself here”. (Example: Rudeus, from Mushoku Tensei. The guy is a disgusting creepo - and that makes him interesting.)
That’s why I love Myne so much as a protagonist. She nearly dies from climbing a flight of stairs. If the average human is at a 10 she would be at a -12.
Yup - being weaker in isekai is quite atypical. I also like that she shows passion for something (books), isekai protags are often too apathetic IMO.