Cliché: Difference between revisions

{{trope}}

 

A cliché is a phrase, motif, trope, or other element within an artistic work that has become common enough to be seen as predictable, tired, overused, and generally unfavorable. Such items tend to break [[Willing Suspension of Disbelief]] by calling attention to the lack of creativity on the part of the creator.

 

There are also circumstances under which clichés are expected. To quote Crash Davis from ''[[Bull Durham]]'':

 

Even without [[Lampshade Hanging]], the [[Lowest Common Denominator]] will still lap up works considered heavily cliché for the same reason as something [[Strictly Formula|formulaic]] works: ''because'' of its familiarity. Many people seek brainless entertainment as its own reward and introducing elements requiring deep thought usually just alienates the average person. The sheer number of [[Police Procedural|Police Procedurals]], [[Medical Drama|Medical Dramas]], and [[Romance Novel|Romance Novels]] with summaries that are practically interchangeable exist because people buy them anyway. A lot of [[Executive Meddling]] aims to make a work more cliché simply as a way of appealing to broader audiences.