Cliches are basically an idea, plotline or description that has been done so many times, it makes every reader groan to look at it. Similies might be some of the worst offenders; 'cold as ice', 'as fast as the wind'. Cliche similies have lost their meaning, and don't really add any descriptive momentum anymore.
For example; your generic 'Antagonist Relative'.
This one is pretty common. The antagonist is a relative of the protagonist, which generally leads up to a big, "I am your father," scene, leaving the protagonist confused and disillusioned with their goals.
Way, way, way overdone. So much so that it loses all drama and punch.
Even if the cliche is the best writing ever, it just loses it.
But a cliche is absolutely necessary to my plot!
If you find yourself saying this, then you've either got to figure out a new plot device that replaces the cliche, or put a new spin on it. The 'new spin' might be even more difficult because you're treading a very thin line.
There are a few ways to tell if something is a cliche
- It's been done more than three times in atleast relatively popular creative writing (this includes TV, short stories, movies, plays etc)
- Even if its a descriptive image, when you read it, you don't really feel anything.
- Your eyes slide right over 'cold as ice' and turn it into 'very cold' instead of really imagining the freezing touch that chills your fingers to the bone, as the writer probably wanted the reader to think.
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