Line #143 Main/ShapeShifting


1	[[quoteright:280:[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaSymphonyOfTheNight https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/CastlevaniaAlucardShapeshift_4294.jpg]]]]
2	[[caption-width-right:280:Not depicted: [[DeadlyGas Refried Bean]] [[SuperSmoke Gas Cloud]].]]
3
4	->''"Aliens disguised as typewriters? I never heard such--"''
5	-->-- An eight word {{drabble}} by '''Colin Greenland'''
6
7	Shapeshifting or transformation is the ability to completely change one's body from one form to another, usually by magic or AppliedPhlebotinum. Common in SpeculativeFiction, folklore and myths are replete with tales of princes transformed into frogs, gods turning themselves into animals, and so on. Several of these tropes are OlderThanFeudalism.
8
9	There are a ''wide'' variety of ways that this can occur, but thematically it can be sorted into two broad classes:
10
11	* '''Shapeshifting''': A character can transform their own body as a special power or ability. Obviously enough, they are called [[VoluntaryShapeshifting shapeshifters]], and often ply their powers for fun and profit (whether good or evil), or simply to trick or play practical jokes on normal folks.
12
13	* '''Transformation''': An otherwise non-shapeshifting character has a transformation cast upon them from an outside source (again, usually by magic or AppliedPhlebotinum). This is typically PlayedForDrama; it may be part of a character's backstory, or even form the central conflict within the work. {{Curse}}s are a popular source here, as it requires the character to go on TheQuest to satisfy the CurseEscapeClause. A list of possible causes for transformations can be found [[TransformationCauses here]].
14
15	See also the AutonomousAndArtificialAppendageIndex, DisguiseTropes, and WerebeastTropes indexes.
16	----
17	[[index]]
18	[[foldercontrol]]
19
20	[[folder:Tropes related to shapeshifting as a power or ability]]
21	* AsianFoxSpirit: Kitsunes, gumihos, huli jing and their kin traditionally have the ability to take on human form at will.
22	* BallOfLightTransformation: Transformation into a luminous form shaped as a flame, orb, star, mote, etc.
23	* CantShiftWhileShifted: A shapeshifter has to return to their default form to shift into something else.
24	* ChangelingTale: When [[TheFairFolk fairy]] [[OurFairiesAreDifferent creatures]] pretend to be human infants, usually after abducting the real babies and switching places with them.
25	* DualAgeModes: The ability to change between an "older" and "younger" form.
26	* ElementalShapeshifter: Transforming oneself (in whole or part) into one of the NaturalElements.
27	* EmpathicShapeshifter: If other people dictate what you transform into.
28	* EyeColourChange: Some forms, where you can change your eye color repeatedly.
29	* EyesAreMental: Their eyes stay the same even if the rest of their bodies don't.
30	* GodInHumanForm: A [[OurGodsAreDifferent deity]] pretends to be a mere mortal.
31	* GoodShapeshiftingEvilShapeshifting: Heroic shapeshifters transform differently to villainous shapeshifters.
32	* GrowingMusclesSequence: Bulking up as you transform.
33	* HenshinHero: A character who gains superpowers by transforming.
34	* HulkingOut: The YouWouldntLikeMeWhenImAngry version.
35	* HumanDisguise: When non-human beings somehow change their appearance to look more human.
36	* {{Humanshifting}}: Some shapeshifters only have the ability to transform into humanoids.
37	* InvoluntaryShapeshifting: If you can't control when/where your shapeshifting powers kick in.
38	* KaleidoscopeEyes: Change your eye color randomly.
39	* KaleidoscopeHair: Or change your hair color repeatedly.
40	* KibblesAndBits: Why does that car have sections that look like fists? Why does that robot have pieces of car dangling from its back?
41	* LongNeck: What happens when your head needs to be way over there but the rest of you stays put, without detaching.
42	* MagicPants: Clothes don't get destroyed during a transformation.
43	* MaterialMimicry: Transforming to be like substances you touch.
44	* MasterOfDisguise: When instead of using artificial means the character can actually change their facial features or even their body type.
45	* MermanityEnsues: A character ends up obtaining aquatic traits, either as an ApparentlyHumanMerfolk, a mermaid, or a fish, by a variety of ways.
46	* MetamorphosisMonster: It may be cute and cuddly now, but just wait...
47	* MorphicResonance: When a shapeshifter's forms all have some common feature that the audience can identify them by.
48	* MultiformBalance: When there are trade-offs between various forms.
49	* NarrativeShapeshifting: A [[TheSpeechless silent]] character recounts a story by playing shapeshifting charades.
50	* NewBodyOldAbilities: Regardless of the body's physical abilities, the new owner can use all their former abilities.
51	* {{Objectshifting}}: Transforming into an inanimate object - voluntarily or otherwise.
52	* OlderAlterEgo: Someone's superpower is to turn older.
53	* OneToMillionToOne: Shifting into multiple separate creatures, possibly to avoid an impact.
54	* OurWerebeastsAreDifferent: Not all of them are wolves with a lunar trigger.
55	* OurWerewolvesAreDifferent: The specific traits of werewolves vary from work to work.
56	* PartialTransformation: Mix-and-match shapeshifting to create one sleek HybridMonster.
57	* PerpetuallyProtean: Shapeshifting that rarely stops - if at all.
58	* RandomizedTransformation: An unpredictable transformation, usually affecting a living being.
59	* RideTheLightning: Turning oneself into lightning for quick transportation.
60	* RubberMan: They can stretch and flex themselves into almost any needed shape.
61	* SappingTheShapeshifter: For mere mortals, a shapeshifter can only be defeated by slowly exhausting them and -- often -- their forms.
62	* SelfPerceptionShapeshifting: Transforming to match your self image.
63	* SelkiesAndWereseals: People that can turn into seals.
64	* SexierAlterEgo: Transform into a more attractive or otherwise sexually appealing form.
65	* SexShifter: The ability to alter one's sex, male, female or other, rather than shape: a non-permanent GenderBender.
66	* ShapeDiesShifterSurvives: A shapeshifted form dies, but the shifter [[ShapeshifterDefaultForm goes back to normal]] instead of dying for real.
67	* ShapeshifterBaggage: Some forms are smaller/larger or lighter/heavier than others.
68	* ShapeshifterDefaultForm: Whatever form they're usually seen in when not actively using their powers.
69	* ShapeshifterGuiltTrip: [[DoppelgangerGetsSameSentiment Impersonating the form of an opponent's friend or teammate]] during battle, to mentally break the opponent down.
70	* ShapeshifterIdentityCrisis: Mental instability causing you to transform into whatever identity/persona is currently dominant in your mind.
71	* ShapeshifterMashup: When attempting to mix-and-match multiple forms [[GoneHorriblyWrong goes horribly wrong]].
72	* ShapeshifterModeLock: A PhlebotinumBreakdown that leaves a shapeshifter BroughtDownToNormal and/or trapped in one form.
73	* ShapeshiftersDoItForAChange: The sexuality of a shapeshifter.
74	* ShapeshifterShowdown: Shapeshifter vs. shapeshifter! [[RuleOfCool Awesomeness ensues]].
75	* ShapeshifterShowoffSession: As soon as they're revealed as such, shapeshifters just can't resist flaunting their powers.
76	* ShapeshifterSwanSong: Uncontrolled transformations triggered by a critical (or fatal) injury to the shapeshifter.
77	* ShapeshifterWeapon: Using your shapeshifter powers to create weapons from your own body.
78	* ShapeshiftingHealsWounds: Going from one shape to another fixes the damage taken by one form (although it may still be there on returning to the original form).
79	* ShapeshiftingSeducer: Shapeshifter trying to get in your bed? It'll just turn into the most desirable person you've ever seen.
80	* ShapeshiftingSquick: Shapeshifters must have a ''very'' interesting love life...
81	* ShapeshiftingTrickster: A trickster character who changes form.
82	* {{Sizeshifter}}: The ability to alter one's size, rather than shape.
83	* SkinWalker: A magical shapeshifter who can change from human to animal forms at will, originating from [[Myth/NativeAmericanMythology Navajo Indian folklore]].
84	* SproutingEars: A little extra number and type of ears when SuperDeformed.
85	* SuperSmoke: Transformation into a gaseous form like smoke, air, mist, etc.
86	* SwissArmyHero: Shapeshifting where each form has some kind of exclusive ability. A popular manifestation for VideoGames.
87	* TechnicallyNakedShapeshifter: A shapeshifter whose clothes are part of their body.
88	* TelescopingRobot: A robotic character opens or extends parts of their body to reveal tons of weapons.
89	* TemporaryBulkChange: Rapidly gaining or losing fat or muscle.
90	* TheyLookLikeUsNow: When evil creatures figure out a way to look like humans.
91	* TotallyNotAWerewolf: A shapeshifter becomes mistaken for whatever creature or monster they appear as.
92	* TransformationIsAFreeAction: Because it would be a vulnerability if it wasn't.
93	* TransformationSequence: Activating one's superpowers may also induce a physical transformation. May become StockFootage in serial works.
94	* TransformingConforming: A shapeshifter or other transforming characters must play by the rules of their chosen form.
95	* TransformingMecha: Shapeshifting for robots!
96	* TransformingVehicle: Normal cars (and other vehicles) can shapeshift too.
97	* TrickingTheShapeshifter: If you can't defeat a shapeshifter in one of their forms, convince them to transform into something you can.
98	* UnstableGeneticCode: A more scientific explanation for shapeshifting.
99	* VoiceChangeling: The ability to imitate anyone's voice, rather than their shape.
100	* VoluntaryShapeshifting: The "standard" shapeshifter package.
101	* {{Weredragon}}: Someone that can turn into a dragon.
102	* WolfMan: A canine-like humanoid, often a kind of werewolf.
103	* YouAreWhoYouEat: [[ImAHumanitarian Eating]] [[ToServeMan people]] allows certain kinds of shapeshifters to look like whomever they ate.
104	[[/folder]]
105
106	[[folder:Tropes related to transformations as an event]]
107	* AndYourRewardIsInfancy: Someone is turned into or reincarnated as a baby to give them a new life.
108	* AnthropomorphicTransformation: A normal animal is turned into a more anthropomorphic form.
109	* AttractiveBentGender: A person becomes attractive post GenderBender
110	* BabyMorphEpisode: An episode where characters turn into babies.
111	* BecomeARealBoy: A non-human character whose goal is to become one.
112	* BecomeYourWeapon: When simple mastery is not enough.
113	* BecomingTheCostume: Particularly popular around {{UsefulNotes/Halloween}}, a curse that transforms the individual into whatever their costume resembles.
114	* BecomingTheGenie: [[ThreeWishes My third wish]], make me an all-powerful genie! ([[BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor Wait a second...]])
115	* BewitchedAmphibians: For whatever reason, frogs and toads are very popular animals for wizards and witches to turn people into.
116	* {{Biomanipulation}}: The superpower of mutating and transforming ''other'' living beings besides oneself.
117	* BishonenLine: Transformation from a monstrous form into a much more elegant and human-like one.
118	* BitByBitTransformation: Transforming into a creature body part by body part.
119	* CloneByConversion: Someone is turned into a copy of another person.
120	* {{Clownification}}: Characters being turned into clowns or mimes, usually through a virus or magic.
121	* ColorMeBlack: A bigot turns into another member of a group that they hate.
122	* TheCorruption: When one's mind and/or body is twisted into evil and villainy.
123	* DevolutionDevice: AppliedPhlebotinum that makes something revert to a previous "stage" of evolution.
124	* DifferentForGirls: When a new form subjects you to new social norms.
125	* EldritchTransformation: Someone or something gets turned into an EldritchAbomination.
126	* EmergencyTransformation: When the only way to save your dying body is to have it transformed into something else. Whether or not you'd be better off dead is [[{{Angst}} up to you]].
127	* EvolutionPowerUp: A power-up or transformation is called evolution.
128	* FirstLawOfGenderBending: It's easier to change into a female than it is to change back.
129	* FisherKingdom: A world or setting that transforms your mind, mood, and/or physical form to match its expectations or requirements.
130	* ForcedTransformation: Someone is transformed against their will by an outside force.
131	* FountainOfYouth: A character spontaneously becomes younger.
132	* FreakyFridayFlip: Switching bodies/minds/souls with another person.
133	* FreakyFridaySabotage: Sometimes the switch backfires. Badly.
134	* GenderBender: Being transformed into a member of the opposite sex.
135	* SuperGenderBender: Being transformef into superhero/supervillain member of opposite sex
136	* HandsLookingWrong: Realizing your body and hands don't look right.
137	* HumanityEnsues: An animal (or other non-human) is transformed into a human. They usually aren't happy about the change.
138	* HumanToWerewolfFootprints: A set of animal footprints gradually turn into human footprints (or vice versa), in indication that the footprints are made by a were-creature or other animal-human shapeshifter.
139	* IncredibleShrinkingMan: Somebody shrinks down in size.
140	* JustWokeUpThatWay: And avoided a bunch of AppliedPhlebotinum, [[ItRunsOnNonsenseoleum Nonsenseoleum]], or FunctionalMagic by skipping straight to the results.
141	* KarmicTransformation: Getting transformed into something you despise or that is otherwise ironic; often caused by LaserGuidedKarma.
142	* LimbSensationFascination: So ''that's'' what a tentacle feels like.
143	* LiteralTransformativeExperience: A transformation and the experiences that follow leads to a change in personality and character.
144	* MacGuffinTurnedHuman: [[MacGuffin The object that everyone is looking for]] turns out to have been transformed into a person.
145	* MagicalSpeciesTransformation: Going from human to a mythical species.
146	* MassTransformation: A large group of people are transformed at once.
147	* {{Metamorphosis}}: A permanent, one-time transformation that occurs over the long term, and you may know about it well in advance.
148	** DivergingEvolutionaryPhases: Different, alternative phases in their metamorphosis different from the more typical of their species.
149	* TheMindIsAPlaythingOfTheBody: Your thoughts and instincts transform to match whatever new form you have.
150	* MirrorReveal: A character discovers they've been transformed when they look in the mirror.
151	* MutagenicFood: You are what you eat... literally.
152	* MutagenicGoo: Gooey AppliedPhlebotinum that can mutate and transform living beings into monsters.
153	* MyInstinctsAreShowing: Behavior is frequently influenced by another form's instincts, during or after the morph.
154	* NighttimeTransformation: When the characters transforms as a consequence of a late hour of day.
155	* NotQuiteBackToNormal: When a transformation leaves residual effects on the individual even after being turned back to their previous form.
156	* ObliviousTransformation: When the victim is initially unaware of their changes.
157	* OvernightAgeUp: A character spontaneously becomes older.
158	* PersonalityRemnant: A person transformed physically and mentally retains parts of their original mind.
159	* PlotRelevantAgeUp: An OvernightAgeUp so that a young character can quickly become old enough to have a legitimate role in the story's events.
160	* PowerUpgradingDeformation: A person's body gets deformed in some way, but in turn they become more powerful.
161	* PupatingPeril: A pupating character is expected to emerge transformed into a much deadlier shape when they finally escape from their cocoon.
162	* PuppetPermutation: Transformation into a puppet doll.
163	* RacialTransformation: A character's race is changed permanently, or at any rate in a manner more long-term than make-up, using some kind of fantasy or SF mechanism.
164	* ARottenTimeToRevert: A transformed character is forced to revert to their natural form at the worst possible time.
165	* ScarySymbolicShapeshifting: A non-shapeshifter symbolically transforms to illustrate their unpleasant nature.
166	* SecondLawOfGenderBending: Your new gender is ''always'' more enjoyable than your old one.
167	* SenseFreak: When a non-human becomes human, they will go wild over senses humans take for granted.
168	* ShapeshiftingExcludesClothing: You may have changed, but your clothing sure didn't.
169	* ShrinkRay: A device or magic spell that can make people smaller.
170	* SlowTransformation: The change happens gradually.
171	* TauntingTheTransformed: A character reacts to the sight of a transformation with mockery.
172	* ThirdLawOfGenderBending: Any gender bent character will either embrace or be subject to all of the stereotypes associated with their new gender.
173	* ToyTransmutation: A character is transformed into a toy of some kind.
174	* TransformationCauses: Lists the number of ways a character can wind up transformed.
175	* TransformationComic: TransformationFiction in comic form.
176	* TransformationDiscretionShot: A transformation is obscured by editing, camera angles, or visual effects.
177	* TransformationFiction: When a work revolves around transformation and/or shapeshifting.
178	* TransformationOfThePossessed: When the new tenant [[DemonicPossession in your body]] decides to do a little remodeling.
179	* TransformationRay: An energy beam that can instantaneously alter people.
180	* TranshumanTreachery: A human transformed into a monster loses their original personality and betrays their former species.
181	* {{Transmutation}}: A form of matter is converted into another in general.
182	* TheTransmogrifier: Someone who has the power to transform other people's bodies.
183	* TravelTransformation: Transforming to get new or better ways to travel.
184	* TurningBackHuman: When someone's transformation is finally reversed, allowing them to regain their humanity (or otherwise revert back to their original form).
185	* UnanthropomorphicTransformation: An anthropomorphic animal becomes a regular animal.
186	* ViralTransformation: Spreading a transformation from one person to another.
187	* TheVirus: A monster that infects people and turns them into another member of its kind.
188	* VirusVictimSymptoms: Signs and symptoms of an [[SlowTransformation impending metamorphosis]] into a monstrous creature.
189	* VoicesAreMental: For some strange reason, when two people undergo a FreakyFridayFlip, their ''voices'' get switched along with their minds.
190	* VoicesAreNotMental: Though of course, sometimes voices do remain with the original body.
191	* WaterTriggeredChange: A shapeshifter's transformation activates when they come into contact with water.
192	* WipeThatSmileOffYourFace: Someone's mouth is literally removed from their face.
193	[[/folder]]
194
195	[[folder:Other shapeshifting tropes]]
196	* AgeDownRomance: Magically becoming younger or older results in romance with another character who was previously too young or old for you.
197	* {{Animorphism}}: Transformation into an animal, either as a special power or a one-time event...
198	* AngelicTransformation: An [[OurAngelsAreDifferent angel]] of human origin.
199	* AppearanceIsInTheEyeOfTheBeholder: How you look varies depending on who's looking at you.
200	* AttackOfThe50FootWhatever: Because bigger is better...
201	* AttractiveBentSpecies: When other animals think your new form looks sexy!
202	* BewitchedAmphibians: They could be a prince, they could be a lying frog...
203	* BodyHorror: Sometimes changing shape ain't pretty.
204	* BreastExpansion: A character's bosom grows a few cup sizes.
205	* CapeWings: For when a cape mysteriously transforms into fully-functional wings and then back into a cape, or wings to cape and then back.
206	* ChestMonster: A predatory creature that disguises itself as a seemingly innocuous object.
207	* ClippedWingAngel: A being's supposed ultimate form actually makes them weaker.
208	* CollectorOfForms: A shapeshifter who needs to "collect" forms in order to assume them.
209	* DeityOfHumanOrigin: A [[OurGodsAreDifferent god]] that was once a mere mortal.
210	* DemonOfHumanOrigin: A [[OurDemonsAreDifferent demon]] who used to be a human.
211	* EvilMakesYouUgly: A villain's actions lead them to becoming hideous.
212	* EvilMakesYouMonstrous: A villain turns into an inhuman monster.
213	* FaceStealer: For when you have to harm the target to assume their appearance.
214	* FusionDance: When two or more individuals merge their bodies together to become one being.
215	* GameFace: Revealing the true face of evil.
216	* GlamourFailure: When a shapeshifter's disguise starts to malfunction.
217	* HotInHumanForm: A nonhuman becomes attractive after shifting into human form.
218	* LieToTheBeholder: A psychic illusion that makes you look/sound like someone else, without involving a physical transformation or shapeshifting.
219	* ManIFeelLikeAWoman: Getting rather ''intimately acquainted'' with the new you.
220	* MiracleGroMonster: A creature grows larger and larger until it becomes titanic.
221	* TheMirrorShowsYourTrueSelf: Reflective surfaces can reveal what a shapeshifter's real form looks like.
222	* MistakenForTransformed: An observer confuses a person, animal, or object for a transformed character.
223	* MistakenForOwnMurderer: Shapeshifting can make someone think you're a monster and killed "yourself".
224	* MonMode: Humans transforming into mons.
225	* MorphWeapon: A transforming weapon.
226	* OneWingedAngel: When the villain shouts "Behold my true form!" before the final battle.
227	* PainfulTransformation: If it ''looks'' painful, what must it ''feel'' like?
228	* PersonalitySwap:Trading a Personality with someone else
229	* PhysicalAttributeSwap: Trading a physical trait with someone else.
230	* PrimalPolymorphs: Shapeshifters that prefer a simple life, usually in the wild, sometimes as animals.
231	* RevelingInTheNewForm: A transformed character likes their new self.
232	* ScaledUp: Is turning yourself into a giant snake ''ever'' a good idea?
233	* TheShadowKnows: A particular kind of GlamourFailure hinting that a character has a dark secret or shapeshifting prowess.
234	* ShapeshiftingFailure: When shapeshifting doesn't quite work properly.
235	* ShapeshifterLongevity: Shapeshifters live longer.
236	* ShapeshifterStruggles: Being able to transform oneself can cause a multitude of unforeseen issues.
237	* ShapeshiftingLover: Females are usually a VoluntaryShapeshifter; males are usually victim of a ForcedTransformation {{Curse}}.
238	* ShapeshiftingSound: A character transforms with a loud, noticeable, or distinctive sound.
239	* ShowingOffTheNewBody: The individual closely inspects their new body, giving free {{Fanservice}} for everyone!
240	* SomethingForEveryone: Multi-target illusion with personalized effects.
241	* StumblingInTheNewForm: It can take awhile to learn how to move properly in a newly transformed body.
242	* TerminalTransformation: A transformation that directly results in the transformee's death.
243	* ThisWasHisTrueForm: A reveal occurring after a shapeshifter has been killed or defeated.
244	* ToonTransformation: [[ToonPhysics Toon world physics]], meet toon world biology.
245	* TragicMonster: They were forced to become something inhuman against their will, and that's sad.
246	* TransferredTransformation: A specific transformation gets passed from one person to another.
247	* {{Transflormation}}: When a character transforms into a tree, plant, or other type of flora.
248	* TransformationConventions: The object or being a character transforms into fits their personality.
249	* TransformationExhilaration: A transformation that the transformee finds enjoyable in some way.
250	* TransformationHorror: Disturbing shapeshifting at its finest.
251	* TransformationTrinket: When the transformation power resides in or relies on an amulet or similar token.
252	* VoiceChangeSurprise: A character who has just transformed tries to speak and is startled at having a different voice.
253	* WasOnceAMan: A monster or other strange creature turns out to have formerly been an ordinary human being.
254	* WomanWereWoes: Female shapeshifters have difficulties male ones don't.
255	[[/folder]]
256
257	[[folder:Related tropes]]
258	* AdaptiveAbility: Often involves shifting, sometimes involves shapes.
259	* ArtificialHybrid: Someone gets mutated and turned into some sort of [[HalfHumanHybrid hybrid]].
260	* BeingHumanSucks: Not everyone likes being a boring, ordinary human being. This motivates them to try and become something else.
261	* BlobMonster: A compositionally questionable, physically malleable monster.
262	* EquivalentExchange: When shifting into a certain form requires exchanging it with someone or something that already has it.
263	* FaceMonsterTurn: When a mental and/or physical transformation turns someone evil.
264	* InstantArmor: The ability to summon protective armor from nowhere. May be part of a SuperMode.
265	* KillAndReplace: A tactic sometimes performed by shapeshifters using their natural abilities.
266	* LegoGenetics: Genetic engineering can be used to transform an ordinary organism into some sort of [[NonHumanHumanoidHybrid mutant being]] after getting their DNA fused with that of another species.
267	* MasterActor: Often a {{Required Secondary Power\|s}} for shapeshifters.
268	* MasterOfDisguise: Some shapeshifters can look like anyone.
269	* SlimeGirl: A person (usually a woman/girl) who is made out of slime.
270	* SuperMode: Sometimes involves a physical transformation.
271	* {{Transhuman}}: The (artificial) evolution of humans into something different.
272	* YouSexyBeast: For cases of a less human form being considered more attractive.
273	[[/folder]]
274
275	[[/index]]

Context Main / ShapeShifting