The TVTropes Trope Finder is where you can come to ask questions like "Do we have this one?" and "What's the trope about...?" Trying to rediscover a long lost show or other medium but need a little help? Head to Media Finder and try your luck there. Want to propose a new trope? You should be over at You Know, That Thing Where.
ZelmanClock
Since: Nov, 2010
Vandole
Since: Jan, 2001
27th Dec, 2010 11:37:01 PM
If they're doing it intentionally to make someone look bad it could fall under TheWarOnStraw.
Embryon
Since: Mar, 2010
28th Jan, 2011 11:38:46 AM
Roman à Clef, if you decide to make the portrayals unflattering.
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And even if it is broke, just ignore it and maybe it'll be sort of OK — like the environment."
Embryon
Since: Mar, 2010
30th Jan, 2011 11:38:23 PM
Oh wait, it has to happen in-universe? Hmmm... Well, Roman à Clef seems like it's more about works, but it contains a couple of examples of the kind of plot you're describing (NCIS, Voyager). They seem out of place, though.
Edited by Embryon "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And even if it is broke, just ignore it and maybe it'll be sort of OK — like the environment."
Is there a trope for when a character who's a writer puts poorly-disguised versions of people they know in their fiction, thereby pissing them off because it's an unflattering portrayal and/or includes the airing of dirty laundry?