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* TypeLabelsAreNotExamples: Any relevant context needed to explain the example should be given in the example itself. Don't simply label it "type X" and force the reader to open a separate page just so they can understand what it means.
to:
* TypeLabelsAreNotExamples: Administrivia/TypeLabelsAreNotExamples: Any relevant context needed to explain the example should be given in the example itself. Don't simply label it "type X" and force the reader to open a separate page just so they can understand what it means.
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* ExamplesAreNotRecent: When writing an example, avoid using the word "recent." What's considered recent ''now'' won't be in a couple of years. It just makes more trouble for other {{troper}}s to edit out the word "recent" once it isn't recent anymore. Act as if every work that was ever published came out several years ago.
to:
* ExamplesAreNotRecent: Administrivia/ExamplesAreNotRecent: When writing an example, avoid using the word "recent." What's considered recent ''now'' won't be in a couple of years. It just makes more trouble for other {{troper}}s to edit out the word "recent" once it isn't recent anymore. Act as if every work that was ever published came out several years ago.
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Was there REALLY any need for this?
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[[folder: Crude Characterization]]
to:
[[folder: Crude Crazy Characterization]]
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red link
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* UnsympatheticProtagonist: A character who is a jerk, hogs the spotlight and steals development away from the supporting characters should not be sympathetic. It leads to a lot of hatred towards that character.
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None
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* UsefulNotes/Tenses: Unintentional shifts in tense are highly distracted and confusing.
to:
* UsefulNotes/Tenses: UsefulNotes/{{Tenses}}: Unintentional shifts in tense are highly distracted and confusing.
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None
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* HowDoIUsedTense: Unintentional shifts in tense are highly distracted and confusing.
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* UsefulNotes/Tenses: Unintentional shifts in tense are highly distracted and confusing.
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None
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* ThisTroper: Writing about oneself in a Main wiki article. The goal is to make Main articles sound like a single person is editing the article, [[SuspiciouslySpecificDenial not multiple people]]. Besides, personal comments just clog up the articles.
to:
* ThisTroper: Writing about oneself in a Main wiki article. The goal is to make Main articles sound like a single person is editing the article, [[SuspiciouslySpecificDenial [[WikiSchizophrenia not multiple people]]. Besides, personal comments just clog up the articles.
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Changing from ableist language to better alternative.
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[[folder: Crazy Characterization]]
to:
[[folder: Crazy Crude Characterization]]
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Wait, you can\'t even put it in alphabetical order...
* UnsympatheticProtagonist: A character who is a jerk, hogs the spotlight and steals development away from the supporting characters should not be sympathetic. It leads to a lot of hatred towards that character.
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* UnsympatheticProtagonist: A character who is a jerk, hogs the spotlight and steals development away from the supporting characters should not be sympathetic. It leads to a lot of hatred towards that character.
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I don\'t like what I saw in that trope, but at least pothole it properly.
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* Unsympathetic Protagonist: A character who is a jerk, hogs the spotlight and steals development away from the supporting characters should not be sympathetic. It leads to a lot of hatred towards that character.
to:
* Unsympathetic Protagonist: UnsympatheticProtagonist: A character who is a jerk, hogs the spotlight and steals development away from the supporting characters should not be sympathetic. It leads to a lot of hatred towards that character.
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None
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* Unsympathetic Protagonist: A character who is a jerk, hogs the spotlight and steals development away from the supporting characters should not be sympathetic. It leads to a lot of hatred towards that character.
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-->-- '''Linkara''', ''WebOriginal/AtopTheFourthWall'', "Amazons Attack Issues 5 and 6"
to:
-->-- '''Linkara''', ''WebOriginal/AtopTheFourthWall'', ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall'', "Amazons Attack Issues 5 and 6"
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* DesignatedVillain: Treating the villain as a CompleteMonster even if nothing in the story indicates anything more than pettiness.
to:
* DesignatedVillain: Treating the villain as a CompleteMonster monster even if nothing in the story indicates anything more than pettiness.
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Removing wick to Did Not Do The Research per rename at TRS.
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* DanBrowned: [[DidNotDoTheResearch If you haven't done the research]], don't claim you have.
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* DanBrowned: [[DidNotDoTheResearch If you haven't done the research]], research, don't claim you have.
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The page quote needed to change.
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->''"You can't just start making up terrible new words!"''
-->-- '''Strong Sad''', ''WebAnimation/HomestarRunner'', "fan club"
-->-- '''Strong Sad''', ''WebAnimation/HomestarRunner'', "fan club"
to:
->'''Linkara:''' Ooh! I know how! (points up
->'''Text:''' ''Inhumanly Awful Writing''
-->--
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None
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* InformedWrongness: If a character is actually in the wrong, prove it.
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quoting Fast Eddie in Ask The Tropers: \"It is not bad writing. Arguments that rely on \"most\" people are just the author presenting their preference as if it is widely held. Add to this the fact that there is nothing about a \"widely held\" opinion that make it more valid than any other opinion. \"
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* {{Handwave}}: This is usually very lazily inserted, and is often insufficient to cover up a plot hole.
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Most think it\'s bad, it\'s usually lazily put in there. Thus, poor writing.
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* {{Handwave}}: This is usually very lazily inserted, and is often insufficient to cover up a plot hole.
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None
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* RefugeInVulgarity: Vulgarity alone doesn't make something funny.
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\"Hand Wave is not a case of Bad Writing; it can be used to paper over a detail that would take too long to explain properly. For example, most of the audience doesn\'t really care how the FTL drive works, so explaining it takes up time that could be used for actual plot.\"
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* {{Handwave}}: Usually a sign of not thinking things through carefully, and is usually very lazily inserted.
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* {{Handwave}}: Usually a sign of not thinking things through carefully, and is usually very lazily inserted.
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-->-- '''Strong Sad''', ''HomestarRunner'', "fan club"
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-->-- '''Strong Sad''', ''HomestarRunner'', ''WebAnimation/HomestarRunner'', "fan club"
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* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot: If the premise is interesting, DO something interesting with it.
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* MeaninglessMeaningfulWords: "Brevity is the soul of wit."
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* MeaninglessMeaningfulWords: "Brevity is the soul of wit."" or for those who don't know Shakespeare, here is some Twain for you: "Use the right word, not its second cousin."
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* WereStillRelevantDammit: Blatant attempts at keeping LongRunners current often are starts of a DorkAge.
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both are completely intentional tropes used to exposition.
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* ExplainingYourPowerToTheEnemy: Unless you’re trying to establish the character is ''really'' sure of themselves, this is considered a rather unintelligent thing for them to do.
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* LittleJimmy: Having one character explain something to another isn't bad in and of itself, but the person receiving the explanation should have some degree of brains.
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We Havent Learned Anything Yet is going to be cut
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* WeHaventLearnedAnythingYet: Incorporate your {{Aesop}} smoothly into your story rather than shoehorning it in at the last minute. (Unless it's [[PlayedForLaughs done for comedy]], of course.)
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* ForTheEvulz: Often result of lazy/simplistic villain characterization.
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->''"You can't just start making up terrible new words!"''
-->-- '''Strong Sad''', ''HomestarRunner'', "fan club"
This is an index of tropes that are often indicative of plain bad writing.
When done unintentionally, these tropes are usually bad signs. When done intentionally, they're often signs of [[ParodyTropes parody]], comedy, or just the writer being ironic or [[TrueArtIsIncomprehensible stylized]]. Hopefully...
See also:
* DiscreditedTrope - A trope which is considered a {{cliche}}.
* PetPeeveTrope - A trope that is disliked by certain audiences.
* SturgeonsTropes - When the trope is used, there's about 90% chance that it will lower the reception of the work .
* UnexpectedReactionsToThisIndex
* EightDeadlyWords - "I don't care what happens to these people."
Contrast:
* NecessaryWeasel - An unrealistic trope which the audience expects to be there.
* StylisticSuck - Making a work/art style etc. bad on purpose.
* WhoWritesThisCrap - When a show's writing is criticized {{in-universe}}.
* TheyJustDidntCare - When the audience feels that the creators weren't even making an effort.
* IntendedAudienceReaction - An attempt to intentionally evoke a reaction from the audience.
Not to be mistaken for WritersSuck, which has more to do with {{Butt Monkey}}s than bad writing.
----
[[index]]
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder: Crazy Characterization]]
* AesopAmnesia: The more times a character is taught a lesson without learning it, the lower the viewer's opinion of him/her and you.
* AngstWhatAngst: Make your characters react realistically to setbacks or tragic events. Too little {{angst}} makes them unrealistic and [[TheSociopath callous]].
* CharacterDerailment: Characters can grow, but don't suddenly mutate them into something else.
* CharacterShilling: Having characters suddenly talk up another character for no real reason doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
* {{Chickification}}: Stripping the action from an ActionGirl does not work, and pisses off all the feminists in the audience.
* ConflictBall: Don't have a character cause conflict just because the plot says so.
* DerailingLoveInterests: Breaking up a promising relationship just to get the official couple together is not going to sit well with the viewers who care more about the characters than the concept.
* DesignatedHero: Having your hero KickTheDog and still expecting your audience to accept him as the Good Guy because you say he is doesn't usually work. If you want your hero DarkerAndEdgier, an AntiHero or VillainProtagonist will usually work better.
** JerkSue: Having a character be a complete JerkAss who gets away with it just because the author designates them as such and says you should support them does not make for a strong character, and is more likely going to turn out be a case of CreatorsPet, and often TheScrappy. Also, it tends to look like a half-assed effort when the author just throws in some secondary throw-away detail in an attempt to make you feel sorry for the character and expect you to not get upset when they behave like a jerk for no other reason than they feel like it at the time.
* DesignatedProtagonistSyndrome: If you can't write a decent character without them being [[EnsembleDarkhorse overshadowed by more interesting characters]] then maybe you should try to focus on a better character.
* DesignatedVillain: Treating the villain as a CompleteMonster even if nothing in the story indicates anything more than pettiness.
* DieForOurShip: Attacking a rival of your [[OneTruePairing pairing of choice]] doesn't necessarily make that character a bad person.
* DistressBall: Running head-first into danger is a bad way to get things moving.
* ExplainingYourPowerToTheEnemy: Unless you’re trying to establish the character is ''really'' sure of themselves, this is considered a rather unintelligent thing for them to do.
* FailureHero: While having the hero lose from time to time adds some realism to the hero, if he or she loses every single fight or mission, he or she will destroy any and all tension.
* FauxActionGirl: If you ''say'' that a girl is strong, then actually ''make'' them strong.
* {{Flanderization}} (including TookALevelInDumbass and TookALevelInJerkass): When done unsuccessfully.
* ForTheEvulz: Often result of lazy/simplistic villain characterization.
* GenericDoomsdayVillain: A villain who is super-mega-powerful, but has no personality, clear goals or motive.
* HeroBall: Heroes are expected to make dumb decisions every now and then, but when they directly aid the villains, it becomes this trope.
* IdiotBall: When the character is suddenly acting like an idiot.
* InvincibleHero: A hero who can't lose.
* InvincibleVillain: A villain who can't lose.
* LittleJimmy: Having one character explain something to another isn't bad in and of itself, but the person receiving the explanation should have some degree of brains.
* MarySue: A flawless, invincible character who never loses at anything makes for a boring story. MarySueTropes and CommonMarySueTraits contain lots of information on different types of Sue.
* MotiveDecay: If the villain has a motive, they should be expected to at least attempt to carry through with it (if not to its conclusion).
* NewPowersAsThePlotDemands: A character gains a new ability depending on the situation.
* OutOfCharacter: Moments when the character does something that he wouldn't normally do without any justification.
* StupidSacrifice: Characters shouldn't give up their lives for nothing (if the character is not a MartyrWithoutACause).
* VillainBall: See HeroBall, only swap "heroes" and "villains".
* VillainSue
* {{Wangst}}: Make your characters react realistically to setbacks or tragic events. Too much {{angst}} makes them unrealistic and annoying.
* {{Wimpification}}: Stripping the action, common sense, and characterization from a male character to add {{Wangst}} and gender stereotypes applied to females is a good way to piss off many of the audience, including but not limited to feminists and actual gay or bisexual men.
See also ContrivedStupidityTropes.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Poor Plotting]]
Bad Plotting can make for a bad story:
* AssPull: Make sure that every new character/plot point that you invoke is foreshadowed first.
* CliffhangerCopout: This is what happens when a {{Cliffhanger}}'s resolution comes in the form of tweaking the continuity between back-to-back installments (usually creating {{Plot Hole}}s), a refusal/failure to follow through with delivering a big [[TheReveal Reveal]] after setting an audience up for one, or outright [[AbortedArc aborting a story arc]].
* TheChrisCarterEffect: It's a good idea to actually finish things. Sooner or later, the audience will get bored with you screwing around and not getting to the point.
* CoitusEnsues: Don't write a sex scene if there's no reason for the involved characters to ''have'' sex.
* ContinuitySnarl: Plotlines can snag if you aren't careful.
* DeusAngstMachina: Too much misfortune makes too little WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief.
* DeusExMachina: Do not save your characters with an AssPull.
* DiabolusExMachina: A DownerEnding pulled out of thin air might be amusing for [[BlackComedy shock value]], but it doesn't make for great storytelling.
* EndingFatigue: The viewer should probably not be yelling "END ALREADY!"
* FridgeLogic: Though much more forgivable than a PlotHole, this can be bad if it doesn't have enough FridgeHorror or FridgeBrilliance to go along with it. If you have a complicated universe, don't gloss over the minor details.
* GratuitousRape: Don't have a rape scene just for the hell of it.
* IdiotPlot: Unless it's part of their character, the plot should not be forced to move forward solely by people making stupid decisions.
* ItGetsBetter: Just as the viewer shouldn't demand the work to end already as with EndingFatigue, they shouldn't be forced to sit through hours of exposition or padding to get to the actual plot.
* JustEatGilligan: If there's an obvious solution to the problem(s) that drives the story, you would think the characters would go for it rather than ignoring it.
* KudzuPlot: It's fine to have a dozen different story threads at once, but you have to be able to tie them together. If they go off into infinity without ever being tied, who's going to care about any of them? The pieces of your JigsawPuzzlePlot have to ''fit''.
* OffstageVillainy: We need to ''see'' that the villain is evil. Being told so doesn't automatically make him/her "evil".
* OnlyTheAuthorCanSaveThemNow: Do not put your characters in a situation where only a DeusExMachina can save them.
* PlotHole: Don't think the audience won't see when you forget to cover something.
* RomanticPlotTumor: Unless the plot is romance, don't let it take over.
* SeriesContinuityError: When you set something in stone, you can't chisel it out without leaving marks.
* ShockingSwerve: Don't have a TwistEnding just to have a TwistEnding.
* StrangerBehindTheMask: If you're going to have a {{Reveal}}, make sure that the revealed character has been met before.
* TheStationsOfTheCanon: When important events in a Divergence Fic are treated more as checkmarks than plot points.
* TrappedByMountainLions: If someone's in a story, they should be part of the plot, too.
* UnfortunateImplications: Be careful which characters you put through hell and in what ways, because it might give viewers the wrong idea.
* AWizardDidIt: "It's magic," is not an explanation. Even in fantasy unless explained very well, it will be seen as a fantasy AssPull.
* VoodooShark: When patching over a PlotHole creates a different, possibly more troublesome, problem.
* YoYoPlotPoint: It's okay if a few plot points repeat themselves throughout the series, but if it's the same story every other episode, your audience is bound to get bored.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Senseless Styles]]
In amateur writing (or stuff that just simply [[ProtectionFromEditors didn't get the proper proofreading]]), bad writing is sometimes inherent in the form and presentation of the work itself:
* AuthorFilibuster: The reader/viewer/player/etc is (theoretically) interested in the plot. Stopping it so that you can talk about something that's important to you will only make them less interested in what you're writing.
* BlindIdiotTranslation: This are conversion bad tofu.
* CharacterFilibuster: Putting those words in someone else's mouth doesn't help.
* ConceptsAreCheap: Using concepts and buzz words to pad out a thin script.
* EmphasizeEverything: If everything is emphasized, then nothing is, and you've done nothing of value except annoy your audience.
* FeaturelessPlaneOfDisembodiedDialogue: Conversation doesn't happen in a vacuum.
* HowDoIUsedTense: Unintentional shifts in tense are highly distracted and confusing.
* InformedAttribute: Saying something is so is not the same as making it so.
* MeaninglessMeaningfulWords: "Brevity is the soul of wit."
* NoPunctuationPeriod: Run-on sentences make a story much harder to read.
* RefugeInVulgarity: Vulgarity alone doesn't make something funny.
* RougeAnglesOfSatin: Misspelling words, possibly resulting in a valid but wrong word being used.
* SaidBookism: A form of PurpleProse. Using fancy substitutes for the word "said" in the fear that the dialogue doesn't speak for itself.
* ShowDontTell: Telling the reader that something is X, rather than showing it's X is a sign of laziness on the author's part.
** AndThatsTerrible: Telling the reader how evil the villain is, instead of showing it (or even doing both).
** ThatMakesMeFeelAngry: Telling the reader what a character is feeling, instead of showing it.
* StrawmanHasAPoint: If you can't even attack strawmen without being defeated, you may need a new profession.
* TranslationTrainWreck: Bad translations to not possible to misunderstand not not favorable.
* UnintentionallySympathetic: Failure to create antipathy to a character in the audience.
* UnintentionallyUnsympathetic: Failure to create sympathy to a character in the audience.
* WallOfText: The formatting (or lack thereof) combined with a lot of redundant words makes the text seem impenetrable, and will make the reader lose the track after a few lines.
* TheWarOnStraw: Not a direct cause of bad writing, but a frequent component of it nevertheless.
* WantonCrueltyToTheCommonComma: Other bad grammar and usage.
* WriterOnBoard: This is a story, not a treatise.
See also StylisticSuck
[[/folder]]
[[folder: TV Tropes Style]]
ThisWiki is not exempt from this. Please consult the Administrivia/PermanentRedLinkClub for further details.
* ConversationInTheMainPage: Remember, TVTropes is a wiki, not a [[ThreadMode forum or chatroom]]. Conversations just clog up the articles and make them too long/tedious to read.
* ExamplesAreNotArguable: If you're not sure if what you're writing is an example or not, take it to the discussion page instead of coating your example with WeaselWords.
* ExamplesAreNotRecent: When writing an example, avoid using the word "recent." What's considered recent ''now'' won't be in a couple of years. It just makes more trouble for other {{troper}}s to edit out the word "recent" once it isn't recent anymore. Act as if every work that was ever published came out several years ago.
* JustifyingEdit: TropesAreNotBad. Avoid responding to examples with a "to be fair" addendum. If a trope is actually {{justified|trope}}, the justification should be [[RepairDontRespond added into the example itself]].
* NotASubversion: [[YouKeepUsingThatWord Misuse]] of the word "{{subverted|Trope}}." A common sign of this is use of phrases such as "partially subverted" or "somewhat subverted."
* SinkHole: When making a PotHole, make sure that the article being linked bears relevance to the {{Pot Hole}}d text.
* SquarePegRoundTrope: Make sure that the example that you want to add fully fits the trope. If it's "not really an example", then it's not really an example, and it shouldn't be added.
* ThisTroper: Writing about oneself in a Main wiki article. The goal is to make Main articles sound like a single person is editing the article, [[SuspiciouslySpecificDenial not multiple people]]. Besides, personal comments just clog up the articles.
* TypeLabelsAreNotExamples: Any relevant context needed to explain the example should be given in the example itself. Don't simply label it "type X" and force the reader to open a separate page just so they can understand what it means.
* WeblinksAreNotExamples: If one has a trope example, one should write it down, in adequate detail, where it is relevant, not rely on a URL link to some other page to explain what it is.
* WordCruft: When writing an example, just stick to writing the example and try to avoid saying useless things that don't need to be said.
* ZeroContextExample: If you're going to leave an example, please explain what it is. [[FanMyopia Not everyone will understand what you've written about]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Bad Game Design]]
* DisappointingLastLevel: Be sure players still have interest in finishing your game by the time they reach the final level.
* GameBreakingBug: Don't let a glitch cripple the playability of your game.
* UnwinnableByMistake: Thoroughly test your game before releasing it to ensure that it is reasonably difficult but not impossible to beat.
* ObviousBeta: Clean your game up and make it look presentable before releasing it.
See also ErrorIndex
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Unclassified]]
* BrokenAesop (when not PlayedForLaughs or {{spoof|Aesop}}ed): The lesson you teach should match what the story shows.
* CanonDefilement: People who are reading your FanFic probably enjoy the show for what it ''is''. Not for what you would like it to be. Seeing beloved characters mangled into whatever form you desire is probably going to cut down on your audience, unless you're NeilGaiman [[hottip:*:And even he shows a great deal of respect for Canon while mangling it]].
* CaptainObviousAesop: Don't try and teach your audience something that they already know.
* CluelessAesop: Don't try to put something in a place where it doesn't belong.
* DanBrowned: [[DidNotDoTheResearch If you haven't done the research]], don't claim you have.
* {{Demonization}}: Some of your potential audience may actually see where this position is coming from, if not actually agree. You'll turn them off by your exaggerated portrayal. It also makes it seem like the position you hold isn't nearly as solid as you think, since it can only stand up to strawmen.
%% HandWave is not a case of Bad Writing; it can be used to paper over a detail that would take too long to explain properly. For example, most of the audience doesn't really care how the FTL drive works, so explaining it takes up time that could be used for actual plot. %%
* IKEAErotica: Sex should only be as boring as it is to the participants.
* ISuckAtSummaries: If you can't be bothered to summarise your fic properly, then why should people be bothered to read it?
* LostAesop: If you're going to present some "truth", make sure you do it.
* {{Marysuetopia}}: MarySue in society form is still MarySue.
* MoralDissonance: Don't have the hero behave contrary to his usual morality and be completely oblivious to it. Also see AngstWhatAngst.
* {{Narm}} (when caused by the writing): Make your dramatic/climactic scenes convincing, not cheesy. Don't go over-the-top. Make it realistic. Think about how a person in RealLife would behave in the situation.
* NightmareRetardant (when caused by the writing): If something is supposed to be scary, either don't show it or actually make it scary.
* RelationshipWritingFumble: Viewers can latch onto romantic {{subtext}}, even in places where it's not supposed to be.
* StrangledByTheRedString: People going directly from being strangers to being genuinely in love is not very realistic or satisfying to watch.
* ViewersAreMorons: This is a lie. Most of the time, anyway.
* WeHaventLearnedAnythingYet: Incorporate your {{Aesop}} smoothly into your story rather than shoehorning it in at the last minute. (Unless it's [[PlayedForLaughs done for comedy]], of course.)
* WriterCopOut: Have the strength to follow through, or don't take the shot at all.
[[/folder]]
[[/index]]
----
-->-- '''Strong Sad''', ''HomestarRunner'', "fan club"
This is an index of tropes that are often indicative of plain bad writing.
When done unintentionally, these tropes are usually bad signs. When done intentionally, they're often signs of [[ParodyTropes parody]], comedy, or just the writer being ironic or [[TrueArtIsIncomprehensible stylized]]. Hopefully...
See also:
* DiscreditedTrope - A trope which is considered a {{cliche}}.
* PetPeeveTrope - A trope that is disliked by certain audiences.
* SturgeonsTropes - When the trope is used, there's about 90% chance that it will lower the reception of the work .
* UnexpectedReactionsToThisIndex
* EightDeadlyWords - "I don't care what happens to these people."
Contrast:
* NecessaryWeasel - An unrealistic trope which the audience expects to be there.
* StylisticSuck - Making a work/art style etc. bad on purpose.
* WhoWritesThisCrap - When a show's writing is criticized {{in-universe}}.
* TheyJustDidntCare - When the audience feels that the creators weren't even making an effort.
* IntendedAudienceReaction - An attempt to intentionally evoke a reaction from the audience.
Not to be mistaken for WritersSuck, which has more to do with {{Butt Monkey}}s than bad writing.
----
[[index]]
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder: Crazy Characterization]]
* AesopAmnesia: The more times a character is taught a lesson without learning it, the lower the viewer's opinion of him/her and you.
* AngstWhatAngst: Make your characters react realistically to setbacks or tragic events. Too little {{angst}} makes them unrealistic and [[TheSociopath callous]].
* CharacterDerailment: Characters can grow, but don't suddenly mutate them into something else.
* CharacterShilling: Having characters suddenly talk up another character for no real reason doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
* {{Chickification}}: Stripping the action from an ActionGirl does not work, and pisses off all the feminists in the audience.
* ConflictBall: Don't have a character cause conflict just because the plot says so.
* DerailingLoveInterests: Breaking up a promising relationship just to get the official couple together is not going to sit well with the viewers who care more about the characters than the concept.
* DesignatedHero: Having your hero KickTheDog and still expecting your audience to accept him as the Good Guy because you say he is doesn't usually work. If you want your hero DarkerAndEdgier, an AntiHero or VillainProtagonist will usually work better.
** JerkSue: Having a character be a complete JerkAss who gets away with it just because the author designates them as such and says you should support them does not make for a strong character, and is more likely going to turn out be a case of CreatorsPet, and often TheScrappy. Also, it tends to look like a half-assed effort when the author just throws in some secondary throw-away detail in an attempt to make you feel sorry for the character and expect you to not get upset when they behave like a jerk for no other reason than they feel like it at the time.
* DesignatedProtagonistSyndrome: If you can't write a decent character without them being [[EnsembleDarkhorse overshadowed by more interesting characters]] then maybe you should try to focus on a better character.
* DesignatedVillain: Treating the villain as a CompleteMonster even if nothing in the story indicates anything more than pettiness.
* DieForOurShip: Attacking a rival of your [[OneTruePairing pairing of choice]] doesn't necessarily make that character a bad person.
* DistressBall: Running head-first into danger is a bad way to get things moving.
* ExplainingYourPowerToTheEnemy: Unless you’re trying to establish the character is ''really'' sure of themselves, this is considered a rather unintelligent thing for them to do.
* FailureHero: While having the hero lose from time to time adds some realism to the hero, if he or she loses every single fight or mission, he or she will destroy any and all tension.
* FauxActionGirl: If you ''say'' that a girl is strong, then actually ''make'' them strong.
* {{Flanderization}} (including TookALevelInDumbass and TookALevelInJerkass): When done unsuccessfully.
* ForTheEvulz: Often result of lazy/simplistic villain characterization.
* GenericDoomsdayVillain: A villain who is super-mega-powerful, but has no personality, clear goals or motive.
* HeroBall: Heroes are expected to make dumb decisions every now and then, but when they directly aid the villains, it becomes this trope.
* IdiotBall: When the character is suddenly acting like an idiot.
* InvincibleHero: A hero who can't lose.
* InvincibleVillain: A villain who can't lose.
* LittleJimmy: Having one character explain something to another isn't bad in and of itself, but the person receiving the explanation should have some degree of brains.
* MarySue: A flawless, invincible character who never loses at anything makes for a boring story. MarySueTropes and CommonMarySueTraits contain lots of information on different types of Sue.
* MotiveDecay: If the villain has a motive, they should be expected to at least attempt to carry through with it (if not to its conclusion).
* NewPowersAsThePlotDemands: A character gains a new ability depending on the situation.
* OutOfCharacter: Moments when the character does something that he wouldn't normally do without any justification.
* StupidSacrifice: Characters shouldn't give up their lives for nothing (if the character is not a MartyrWithoutACause).
* VillainBall: See HeroBall, only swap "heroes" and "villains".
* VillainSue
* {{Wangst}}: Make your characters react realistically to setbacks or tragic events. Too much {{angst}} makes them unrealistic and annoying.
* {{Wimpification}}: Stripping the action, common sense, and characterization from a male character to add {{Wangst}} and gender stereotypes applied to females is a good way to piss off many of the audience, including but not limited to feminists and actual gay or bisexual men.
See also ContrivedStupidityTropes.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Poor Plotting]]
Bad Plotting can make for a bad story:
* AssPull: Make sure that every new character/plot point that you invoke is foreshadowed first.
* CliffhangerCopout: This is what happens when a {{Cliffhanger}}'s resolution comes in the form of tweaking the continuity between back-to-back installments (usually creating {{Plot Hole}}s), a refusal/failure to follow through with delivering a big [[TheReveal Reveal]] after setting an audience up for one, or outright [[AbortedArc aborting a story arc]].
* TheChrisCarterEffect: It's a good idea to actually finish things. Sooner or later, the audience will get bored with you screwing around and not getting to the point.
* CoitusEnsues: Don't write a sex scene if there's no reason for the involved characters to ''have'' sex.
* ContinuitySnarl: Plotlines can snag if you aren't careful.
* DeusAngstMachina: Too much misfortune makes too little WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief.
* DeusExMachina: Do not save your characters with an AssPull.
* DiabolusExMachina: A DownerEnding pulled out of thin air might be amusing for [[BlackComedy shock value]], but it doesn't make for great storytelling.
* EndingFatigue: The viewer should probably not be yelling "END ALREADY!"
* FridgeLogic: Though much more forgivable than a PlotHole, this can be bad if it doesn't have enough FridgeHorror or FridgeBrilliance to go along with it. If you have a complicated universe, don't gloss over the minor details.
* GratuitousRape: Don't have a rape scene just for the hell of it.
* IdiotPlot: Unless it's part of their character, the plot should not be forced to move forward solely by people making stupid decisions.
* ItGetsBetter: Just as the viewer shouldn't demand the work to end already as with EndingFatigue, they shouldn't be forced to sit through hours of exposition or padding to get to the actual plot.
* JustEatGilligan: If there's an obvious solution to the problem(s) that drives the story, you would think the characters would go for it rather than ignoring it.
* KudzuPlot: It's fine to have a dozen different story threads at once, but you have to be able to tie them together. If they go off into infinity without ever being tied, who's going to care about any of them? The pieces of your JigsawPuzzlePlot have to ''fit''.
* OffstageVillainy: We need to ''see'' that the villain is evil. Being told so doesn't automatically make him/her "evil".
* OnlyTheAuthorCanSaveThemNow: Do not put your characters in a situation where only a DeusExMachina can save them.
* PlotHole: Don't think the audience won't see when you forget to cover something.
* RomanticPlotTumor: Unless the plot is romance, don't let it take over.
* SeriesContinuityError: When you set something in stone, you can't chisel it out without leaving marks.
* ShockingSwerve: Don't have a TwistEnding just to have a TwistEnding.
* StrangerBehindTheMask: If you're going to have a {{Reveal}}, make sure that the revealed character has been met before.
* TheStationsOfTheCanon: When important events in a Divergence Fic are treated more as checkmarks than plot points.
* TrappedByMountainLions: If someone's in a story, they should be part of the plot, too.
* UnfortunateImplications: Be careful which characters you put through hell and in what ways, because it might give viewers the wrong idea.
* AWizardDidIt: "It's magic," is not an explanation. Even in fantasy unless explained very well, it will be seen as a fantasy AssPull.
* VoodooShark: When patching over a PlotHole creates a different, possibly more troublesome, problem.
* YoYoPlotPoint: It's okay if a few plot points repeat themselves throughout the series, but if it's the same story every other episode, your audience is bound to get bored.
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Senseless Styles]]
In amateur writing (or stuff that just simply [[ProtectionFromEditors didn't get the proper proofreading]]), bad writing is sometimes inherent in the form and presentation of the work itself:
* AuthorFilibuster: The reader/viewer/player/etc is (theoretically) interested in the plot. Stopping it so that you can talk about something that's important to you will only make them less interested in what you're writing.
* BlindIdiotTranslation: This are conversion bad tofu.
* CharacterFilibuster: Putting those words in someone else's mouth doesn't help.
* ConceptsAreCheap: Using concepts and buzz words to pad out a thin script.
* EmphasizeEverything: If everything is emphasized, then nothing is, and you've done nothing of value except annoy your audience.
* FeaturelessPlaneOfDisembodiedDialogue: Conversation doesn't happen in a vacuum.
* HowDoIUsedTense: Unintentional shifts in tense are highly distracted and confusing.
* InformedAttribute: Saying something is so is not the same as making it so.
* MeaninglessMeaningfulWords: "Brevity is the soul of wit."
* NoPunctuationPeriod: Run-on sentences make a story much harder to read.
* RefugeInVulgarity: Vulgarity alone doesn't make something funny.
* RougeAnglesOfSatin: Misspelling words, possibly resulting in a valid but wrong word being used.
* SaidBookism: A form of PurpleProse. Using fancy substitutes for the word "said" in the fear that the dialogue doesn't speak for itself.
* ShowDontTell: Telling the reader that something is X, rather than showing it's X is a sign of laziness on the author's part.
** AndThatsTerrible: Telling the reader how evil the villain is, instead of showing it (or even doing both).
** ThatMakesMeFeelAngry: Telling the reader what a character is feeling, instead of showing it.
* StrawmanHasAPoint: If you can't even attack strawmen without being defeated, you may need a new profession.
* TranslationTrainWreck: Bad translations to not possible to misunderstand not not favorable.
* UnintentionallySympathetic: Failure to create antipathy to a character in the audience.
* UnintentionallyUnsympathetic: Failure to create sympathy to a character in the audience.
* WallOfText: The formatting (or lack thereof) combined with a lot of redundant words makes the text seem impenetrable, and will make the reader lose the track after a few lines.
* TheWarOnStraw: Not a direct cause of bad writing, but a frequent component of it nevertheless.
* WantonCrueltyToTheCommonComma: Other bad grammar and usage.
* WriterOnBoard: This is a story, not a treatise.
See also StylisticSuck
[[/folder]]
[[folder: TV Tropes Style]]
ThisWiki is not exempt from this. Please consult the Administrivia/PermanentRedLinkClub for further details.
* ConversationInTheMainPage: Remember, TVTropes is a wiki, not a [[ThreadMode forum or chatroom]]. Conversations just clog up the articles and make them too long/tedious to read.
* ExamplesAreNotArguable: If you're not sure if what you're writing is an example or not, take it to the discussion page instead of coating your example with WeaselWords.
* ExamplesAreNotRecent: When writing an example, avoid using the word "recent." What's considered recent ''now'' won't be in a couple of years. It just makes more trouble for other {{troper}}s to edit out the word "recent" once it isn't recent anymore. Act as if every work that was ever published came out several years ago.
* JustifyingEdit: TropesAreNotBad. Avoid responding to examples with a "to be fair" addendum. If a trope is actually {{justified|trope}}, the justification should be [[RepairDontRespond added into the example itself]].
* NotASubversion: [[YouKeepUsingThatWord Misuse]] of the word "{{subverted|Trope}}." A common sign of this is use of phrases such as "partially subverted" or "somewhat subverted."
* SinkHole: When making a PotHole, make sure that the article being linked bears relevance to the {{Pot Hole}}d text.
* SquarePegRoundTrope: Make sure that the example that you want to add fully fits the trope. If it's "not really an example", then it's not really an example, and it shouldn't be added.
* ThisTroper: Writing about oneself in a Main wiki article. The goal is to make Main articles sound like a single person is editing the article, [[SuspiciouslySpecificDenial not multiple people]]. Besides, personal comments just clog up the articles.
* TypeLabelsAreNotExamples: Any relevant context needed to explain the example should be given in the example itself. Don't simply label it "type X" and force the reader to open a separate page just so they can understand what it means.
* WeblinksAreNotExamples: If one has a trope example, one should write it down, in adequate detail, where it is relevant, not rely on a URL link to some other page to explain what it is.
* WordCruft: When writing an example, just stick to writing the example and try to avoid saying useless things that don't need to be said.
* ZeroContextExample: If you're going to leave an example, please explain what it is. [[FanMyopia Not everyone will understand what you've written about]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Bad Game Design]]
* DisappointingLastLevel: Be sure players still have interest in finishing your game by the time they reach the final level.
* GameBreakingBug: Don't let a glitch cripple the playability of your game.
* UnwinnableByMistake: Thoroughly test your game before releasing it to ensure that it is reasonably difficult but not impossible to beat.
* ObviousBeta: Clean your game up and make it look presentable before releasing it.
See also ErrorIndex
[[/folder]]
[[folder: Unclassified]]
* BrokenAesop (when not PlayedForLaughs or {{spoof|Aesop}}ed): The lesson you teach should match what the story shows.
* CanonDefilement: People who are reading your FanFic probably enjoy the show for what it ''is''. Not for what you would like it to be. Seeing beloved characters mangled into whatever form you desire is probably going to cut down on your audience, unless you're NeilGaiman [[hottip:*:And even he shows a great deal of respect for Canon while mangling it]].
* CaptainObviousAesop: Don't try and teach your audience something that they already know.
* CluelessAesop: Don't try to put something in a place where it doesn't belong.
* DanBrowned: [[DidNotDoTheResearch If you haven't done the research]], don't claim you have.
* {{Demonization}}: Some of your potential audience may actually see where this position is coming from, if not actually agree. You'll turn them off by your exaggerated portrayal. It also makes it seem like the position you hold isn't nearly as solid as you think, since it can only stand up to strawmen.
%% HandWave is not a case of Bad Writing; it can be used to paper over a detail that would take too long to explain properly. For example, most of the audience doesn't really care how the FTL drive works, so explaining it takes up time that could be used for actual plot. %%
* IKEAErotica: Sex should only be as boring as it is to the participants.
* ISuckAtSummaries: If you can't be bothered to summarise your fic properly, then why should people be bothered to read it?
* LostAesop: If you're going to present some "truth", make sure you do it.
* {{Marysuetopia}}: MarySue in society form is still MarySue.
* MoralDissonance: Don't have the hero behave contrary to his usual morality and be completely oblivious to it. Also see AngstWhatAngst.
* {{Narm}} (when caused by the writing): Make your dramatic/climactic scenes convincing, not cheesy. Don't go over-the-top. Make it realistic. Think about how a person in RealLife would behave in the situation.
* NightmareRetardant (when caused by the writing): If something is supposed to be scary, either don't show it or actually make it scary.
* RelationshipWritingFumble: Viewers can latch onto romantic {{subtext}}, even in places where it's not supposed to be.
* StrangledByTheRedString: People going directly from being strangers to being genuinely in love is not very realistic or satisfying to watch.
* ViewersAreMorons: This is a lie. Most of the time, anyway.
* WeHaventLearnedAnythingYet: Incorporate your {{Aesop}} smoothly into your story rather than shoehorning it in at the last minute. (Unless it's [[PlayedForLaughs done for comedy]], of course.)
* WriterCopOut: Have the strength to follow through, or don't take the shot at all.
[[/folder]]
[[/index]]
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