History Main / LaconicalListOfSubtleTropeDistinctions

The laconic version of this laconic (laconic^2) [[Laconic/LaconicalListOfSubtleTropeDistinctions can be found here]]

Compare TropeGrid, which is more about telling apart different versions of OppositeTrope.

* LaconicTropeDistinctions/AToD
* LaconicTropeDistinctions/EToI

* '''CanonicalListOfSubtleTropeDistinctions vs. Laconical List Of Subtle Trope Distinctions'''

** Laconical List Of Subtle Trope Distinctions: Short explanations highlighting the differences.

* '''CanonicalListOfSubtleTropeDistinctions vs. LaconicalListOfSubtleTropeDistinctions'''

** LaconicalListOfSubtleTropeDistinctions: Short explanations highlighting the differences.

* LaconicTropeDistinctions/{{A-D}}
* LaconicTropeDistinctions/{{E-I}}
* LaconicTropeDistinctions/{{J-R}}
* LaconicTropeDistinctions/{{S-Z}}

* LaconicTropeDistinctions/{{A-I}}

If adding a new item, make sure that the full explanation is included in the [[CanonicalListOfSubtleTropeDistinctions canonical list]] in order to keep the two lists in sync.

----
!!Trope list:

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:A]]
!!! '''AccidentalInnuendo vs. InnocentInnuendo vs. DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything vs. FreudWasRight''':
* Did something naughty just happen?
** AccidentalInnuendo: No, get your mind out of the gutter.
** InnocentInnuendo: No, but the writer sure made it sound like it.
** DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything: No, but you're still blushing.
** FreudWasRight: Yes.

!!! '''AccidentalMurder vs. MurderByMistake''':
* Alice shot Bob, but she...
** AccidentalMurder: Only meant to ''scare'' him.
** MurderByMistake: Meant to shoot ''Carl''.

!!! '''AccidentalNightmareFuel vs. NightmareFuel:'''
* AccidentalNightmareFuel: Accidentally traumatizing.
* NightmareFuel: Just traumatizing.

!!! '''AchillesInHisTent vs. DeusExitMachina'''
* TheHero is missing from the big battle because he's...
** AchillesInHisTent: Off sulking.
** DeusExitMachina: Busy elsewhere.

!!! '''ActionHoggingOpening vs. ActionPrologue'''
* The opening is full of action...
** ActionHoggingOpening: That has nothing to do with the plot.
** ActionPrologue: That is a vital part of the story.

!!! '''ActorAllusion vs. CastingGag vs. CelebrityParadox vs. TheDanza''':
* ActorAllusion: Doesn't Indy look like Han Solo?
* CastingGag: Creator/HarrisonFord guest stars as a swashbuckling archeologist, with a whip and fedora, named Bob.
* CelebrityParadox: Doesn't Indy look like Harrison Ford?
* TheDanza: Harrison Ford's character is named Harrison.

!!! '''AdamSmithHatesYourGuts vs. KarlMarxHatesYourGuts vs. NoHeroDiscount''':
* The price you pay to buy a useful item...
** AdamSmithHatesYourGuts: Quadruples every time you reach a new area.
** KarlMarxHatesYourGuts: Is always the same everywhere, and often less than you get by selling it, meaning you just lugged 100 of them across the continent for nothing.
** NoHeroDiscount: Is the same price paid by people who ''didn't'' just save the shopkeeper from being monster food.

!!! '''AdamWesting vs. AsHimself vs. AutobiographicalRole vs. CelebrityStar vs. CharacterAsHimself vs. TheDanza vs. SpecialGuest''':
* Bob the Actor is playing...
** AdamWesting: A [[{{Flanderization}} Flanderized]] version of himself.
** AsHimself: Himself, a main character.
** AutobiographicalRole: Himself in the non-fiction story of Bob's life (Bob is not usually a ''professional'' actor).
** CharacterAsHimself: His famous character, Fred, and is listed in the credits as Fred, not Bob.
** TheDanza: A fictional character named Bob, that is ''not'' Bob the Actor.
** SpecialGuest: Himself for a quick shock or joke.
** CelebrityStar: Bob completely takes over the episode.

!!! '''AdaptationDecay vs. {{Bowdlerise}} vs. CutAndPasteTranslation vs. TheyJustDidntCare:'''
* It was good, now it sucks because they...
** AdaptationDecay: left out chunks, added chunks, and generally changed it around.
** {{Bowdlerise}}: Censored it.
** CutAndPasteTranslation: "Localized" it.
** TheyJustDidntCare: Showed no effort.

!!! '''AdaptationDistillation vs. PragmaticAdaptation vs. {{Woolseyism}}''':
* Changed....
** AdaptationDistillation: Into a simpler story.
** PragmaticAdaptation: During a switch in medium.
** {{Woolseyism}}: For the better during localization.

!!! '''AdventureTowns vs. CityOfAdventure'''
* A place where the action is. The heroes are...
** AdventureTowns: Visitors.
** CityOfAdventure: Residents.

!!! '''AffablyEvil''' vs. '''FauxAffablyEvil''' vs '''LaughablyEvil''' vs '''WickedCultured'''
* Just because you're a villain, it doesn't mean you can't be...
** AffablyEvil: Genuinely nice.
** FauxAffablyEvil: Fake nice.
** LaughablyEvil: Funny.
** WickedCultured: Intellectual.

!!! '''AgentPeacock Vs. RealMenWearPink'''
* Bob is {{Badass}}...
** AgentPeacock: Because he's effeminate.
** RealMenWearPink: But that doesn't stop him from having a girly hobby.

!!! '''AirborneAircraftCarrier vs. TheBattlestar vs. TheMothership'''
* AirborneAircraftCarrier: A big aircraft that carries several or many smaller aircraft.
* TheBattlestar: An AirborneAircraftCarrier[=/=]Battleship hybrid, often [[RecycledInSpace IN SPACE]].
* TheMothership: A super-carrier capable of lugging several Battlestars around.

!!! '''TheAlcatraz vs. CardboardPrison vs. GildedCage vs. LuxuryPrisonSuite vs. MightAsWellNotBeInPrisonAtAll vs. PlayAlongPrisoner'''
* A character is imprisoned...
** TheAlcatraz: In a high-security facility that will take maximum effort and luck to get out of.
** CardboardPrison: And they can break out with minimal effort.
** GildedCage: In a five-star hotel and the villain is paying the bill.
** LuxuryPrisonSuite: So they arrange for the nicest stay possible by bribing the guards.
** MightAsWellNotBeInPrisonAtAll: But there’s still hundreds of their loyal minions free on the outside.
** PlayAlongPrisoner: They could break out whenever they wish, they're just waiting "for the right time".

!!! '''AlienNonInterferenceClause vs. ObstructiveCodeOfConduct'''
* The heroes are restricted from...
** ObstructiveCodeOfConduct: Doing something that may have solved the plot.
** AlienNonInterferenceClause: Interfering with less advanced alien cultures.

!!! '''AllMythsAreTrue vs. FantasyKitchenSink vs. CrossoverCosmology vs. PlanetEris:'''
* AllMythsAreTrue: Anything the character has ever heard of is real.
* FantasyKitchenSink: Anything the audience has ever heard of is real.
* CrossoverCosmology: ...but aren't many of those beliefs mutually contradictory?
* PlanetEris: It is real in another reality.

!!! '''AllThereIsToKnowAboutTheCryingGame vs. FirstEpisodeSpoiler vs. ItWasHisSled vs. LateArrivalSpoiler:'''
* The twist is remembered...
** ItWasHisSled: by everyone.
** LateArrivalSpoiler: by fans.
** FirstEpisodeSpoiler: because it kicks off the story.
** AllThereIsToKnowAboutTheCryingGame: but nothing else about the work is.

!!! '''AllegedlyFreeGame vs. BribingYourWayToVictory vs. RealMoneyTrade vs. RevenueEnhancingDevices'''
* Purchasing game features...
** AllegedlyFreeGame: ...is necessary.
** BribingYourWayToVictory: ...helps.
** RealMoneyTrade: ...gets you banned.
** RevenueEnhancingDevices: ...give you "extra" stuff.

!!! '''TheAlliance vs. TheEmpire vs. TheFederation vs. LaResistance''':
* TheFederation: Big nations working together.
* TheEmpire: One nation conquers all.
* LaResistance: Fights the power, small-scale.
* TheAlliance: Fights the power, large-scale.

!!! '''AlternateContinuity vs. AlternateTimeline vs. AlternateHistory vs. ContinuityReboot''':
* AlternateContinuity: What happened in the novels didn't happen in the movie.
* ContinuityReboot: What happened in the previous movies never actually happened.
* AlternateTimeline: What happened in the the third and fourth movies never actually happened in the fifth movie.
* AlternateHistory: What you learned in history class didn't actually happen.

!!! '''AlternateUniverse vs. AnotherDimension''':
* AlternateUniverse: Same physics, familiar characters or places that are different.
* AnotherDimension: Different physics, familiar characters or places don't exist.

!!! '''AlwaysABiggerFish vs. BadGuysDoTheDirtyWork vs. VillainousRescue''':
* The Heroes are saved...
** AlwaysABiggerFish: When the big scary thing threatening them is killed or eaten by a bigger, scarier thing.
** BadGuysDoTheDirtyWork: From killing villain because another villain does it.
** VillainousRescue: When the villain comes riding to the rescue.

!!! '''AmbiguouslyGay vs. ButNotTooGay vs. HaveIMentionedIAmGay vs. HideYourLesbians vs. GetBackInTheCloset'''
* AmbiguouslyGay: Bob and George like ice skating and BarbaraStreisand, but that doesn't mean they're gay...or does it?
* ButNotTooGay: Bob and George are a gay couple, but don't kiss or hug.
* HaveIMentionedIAmGay: Bob and George are gay, TakeOurWordForIt! They're so gay. Gay gay gay.
* HideYourLesbians: Bob and George are just friends...or are they...it's dubious...
* GetBackInTheCloset: Bob and George are gay and can kiss or get as down and dirty as they want to...automatic NC-17 rating.

!!! '''AmnesiaDanger vs. AmnesiacLiar vs. CriminalAmnesiac vs. EasyAmnesia vs. ForgotTheCall vs. IdentityAmnesia vs. LaserGuidedAmnesia'''
* A character has amnesia:
** AmnesiaDanger: And loses the skills needed to solve a looming disaster.
** AmnesiacLiar: And is unwittingly fed one of his own lies.
** CriminalAmnesiac: And is convinced they are really one of the bad guys.
** EasyAmnesia: That was easily induced, often from a TapOnTheHead, and can be reversed just as easily with no lasting effects.
** ForgotTheCall: And forgets they are the hero of an epic adventure.
** IdentityAmnesia: And thinks they are a totally different person, possibly a famous historical figure.
** LaserGuidedAmnesia: And only forgets personal knowledge that directly affects the plot.

!!! '''AmusingAlien vs. FunnyForeigner'''
* AmusingAlien: A uniquely otherworldly being who's funny.
* FunnyForeigner: A being from a faraway (but not ''alien'') place who's funny.

!!! '''AncientConspiracy vs. TheMasquerade''':
* AncientConspiracy: Keep the evil plan secret from the non-conspirators.
* TheMasquerade: Keep the secret world secret from the {{muggles}}.

!!! '''AndThisIsFor vs. ArsonMurderAndJaywalking vs. BreadEggsMilkSquick'''
* The dramatic list of reasons to beat Bob up...
** AndThisIsFor: ...is dramatic.
** ArsonMurderAndJaywalking: ...ends with a [[RuleofFunny mundane one]].
** BreadEggsMilkSquick: ...isn't very dramatic, except for the last one.

!!! '''AntiMagic vs. NoSell vs. PowerNullifier''':
* The hero is unable to blast the villain with a fireball because...
** AntiMagic: ...the hero is suddenly unable to cast spells.
** PowerNullifier: ...the villain has a secret anti-fireball cloak.
** NoSell: ...magic fireballs bounce right off the villain.

!!! '''AnyoneCanDie vs. KillEmAll vs. RocksFallEveryoneDies vs. TotalPartyKill'''
* AnyoneCanDie: There's a good chance a main character will die.
* KillEmAll: There's a good chance a large number of characters will die.
** RocksFallEveryoneDies: ...in one fell swoop.
** TotalPartyKill: ....And it's their own damn fault.

!!! '''AppliedPhlebotinum vs. GreenRocks vs SinglePhlebotinumLimit vs. MagneticPlotDevice vs. MineralMacGuffin vs MinovskyPhysics vs. {{Unobtainium}} ''':
* Neat stuff that...
** AppliedPhlebotinum: moves the plot forwards.
** GreenRocks: can do anything.
** MagneticPlotDevice: justifies all the weirdness.
** MineralMacGuffin: is fought over.
** MinovskyPhysics: is rigidly defined despite not actually existing.
** SinglePhlebotinumLimit: ''does'' do everything, even the things which shouldn't need it.
** {{Unobtainium}}: is useful yet hard to find or create.

!!! '''ArsonMurderAndLifesaving vs. ChewOutFakeOut''':
* The hero wrecked a building. His superior lets him off easy...
** ArsonMurderAndLifesaving: Because he took down the bad guy in the process.
** ChewOutFakeOut: Because he thinks wrecking the building was cool as hell.

!!! '''ArtifactOfDoom vs. ArtifactOfDeath''':
* An object that...
** ArtifactOfDoom: Corrupts whoever has or uses it.
** ArtifactOfDeath: Kills whoever has or uses it.

!!! '''AscendedExtra vs. EnsembleDarkHorse vs. BreakoutCharacter''':
* A minor character becomes...
** AscendedExtra: a support character or more.
** EnsembleDarkHorse: a fan favorite.
** BreakoutCharacter: a fan favorite, then a main character.

!!! '''AscendedFanboy vs AudienceSurrogate vs EscapistCharacter vs TheEveryman vs ThisLoserIsYou vs UnfazedEveryman''':
* AscendedFanboy: You dream of this happening to you.
* AudienceSurrogate: This is supposed to be you.
* EscapistCharacter: This is who you wish you could be.
* TheEveryman: This is supposed to be you and everyone else too.
* ThisLoserIsYou: This ugly idiot is supposed to be you.
* UnfazedEveryman: This is supposed to be you and everyone else is crazy.

!!!AsianAndNerdy vs. BollywoodNerd
An intelligent and nerdy character of Asian descent...
* AsianAndNerdy: ...from the Sinosphere.
* BollywoodNerd: ...from India.

!!! '''{{Asspull}} vs. DeusExMachina vs DiabolusExMachina''':
* The writer has painted himself into a corner. To get out he
** {{Asspull}}: forces an unexpected, unforeshadowed and unjustified plot turn.
** DeusExMachina: forces an unexpected and unforeshadowed resolution.
** DiabolusExMachina: DeusExMachina for the villains.

!!! '''AtomicFBomb vs. ClusterFBomb vs. PrecisionFStrike''':
* AtomicFBomb: "FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!"
* ClusterFBomb: "Fucked fucking fuckity fuckfuckers! Fuck!"
* PrecisionFStrike: "I am dead fucking serious, Mr President."

!!! '''AuthorAppeal vs. {{Fanservice}} vs. FetishFuel vs PanderingToTheBase''':
* I just wrote something that...
** AuthorAppeal: Turns me on.
** {{Fanservice}}: Turns you on.
** FetishFuel: Turns kinky people on.
** PanderingToTheBase: Appeals to geeks.

!!! '''AuthorAppeal vs. PlayingToTheFetishes'''
* The author included fetish stuff...
** AuthorAppeal: For himself.
** PlayingToTheFetishes: Not for himself, but for a niche demographic.

!!! '''AuthorCatchphrase vs. CatchPhrase'''
* One phrase is repeatedly used by...
** CatchPhrase: One character.
** AuthorCatchphrase: Several characters by the same author.

!!! '''AuthorFilibuster vs. AuthorTract vs. WriterOnBoard vs. CharacterFilibuster''':
* AuthorFilibuster: Stop everything! The author is making a point here.
* CharacterFilibuster: To make it a bit less obvious, it's put in a character's mouth.
* AuthorTract: This whole thing is the author making a point.
* WriterOnBoard: The plot goes this way so the author can make a point.

!!! '''AvertedTrope vs. JustifiedTrope vs. LampshadeHanging vs. SubvertedTrope vs. DoubleSubversion vs. ZigZaggingTrope vs. InvertedTrope''':
* AvertedTrope: The trope that is normally used in this case... WASN'T!
* JustifiedTrope: We had a good reason for using this trope.
* LampshadeHanging: Look, we used a trope!
* SubvertedTrope: Ha! You thought we were going to use that trope, didn't you?
** DoubleSubversion: And you were right!
** ZigZaggingTrope: Kind of... but then not really...?
** InvertedTrope: Hey, this trope was supposed to happen to the good guy, not the bad guy!

!!! '''AwesomeButImpractical vs. CoolButInefficient vs. TooAwesomeToUse vs. UselessUsefulSpell:'''
* Like a death-ray...
** AwesomeButImpractical: That fires slowly. Just use a gun.
** CoolButInefficient: That takes 20 minutes to kill. Just use a gun.
** TooAwesomeToUse: With one shot. You'll save it forever and just use a gun.
** UselessUsefulSpell: That only fires when it's being pointed at something that could be killed with a gun.

!!! '''WorldOfPun vs. IncrediblyLamePun vs. StealthPun'''
* WorldOfPun: Many puns in a work.
* IncrediblyLamePun: Even the characters admit they're lame.
* StealthPun: Find them out by yourself.

!!! '''AxCrazy vs. BloodKnight vs. PsychoForHire:'''
* AxCrazy: A dangerous lunatic who is prone to just snap.
* PsychoForHire: Like the above, but he gets paid to snap.
* BloodKnight: Dangerous lunatic? Nah, just loves fighting.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:B]]
!!! '''BackForTheDead vs. BusCrash vs. CharacterOutlivesActor vs. DroppedABridgeOnHim vs. McLeaned vs. PutOnABus vs. PutOnABusToHell vs. WrittenInAbsence:'''
* PutOnABus: Left the show, might come back.
** BusCrash: But is later killed offscreen.
** BackForTheDead: But comes back only for ADeathInTheLimelight.
* PutOnABusToHell: PutOnABus in a mean way, but lives.
* CharacterOutlivesActor: The actor died, the character is written out of the show.
* DroppedABridgeOnHim: Killed off in a mean way.
* McLeaned: The actor left and the writers kill their character so they can't come back.
* WrittenInAbsence: Temporarily put on a bus to keep the numbers down.

!!! '''BackStab vs. InTheBack'''
* BackStab: Sneak attacks cause big damage.
* InTheBack: Sneak attacks are dramatic.

!!! '''BadAssBack vs. OffhandBackhand''':
* BadAssBack: Fighting a character with your back to them.
* OffhandBackhand: Pulling off a move without looking.

!!! '''BadassBookworm vs. GeniusBruiser'''
* They're both smart ''and'' good fighters. But at first, you don't see...
** BadassBookworm: Their badassness.
** GeniusBruiser: Their smartness.

!!! '''BadassLongcoat vs. ConspicuousTrenchcoat vs. TrenchcoatBrigade''':
* The longcoat (or similar)...
** BadassLongcoat: ...looks cool.
** ConspicuousTrenchcoat: ...is supposed to make the wearer blend in -- but it stands out to the audience.
** TrenchcoatBrigade ...is a standard item of clothing for this stock character.

!!! '''{{Bara}}''' vs. '''{{Yaoi}}''':
* Stories about gay boys/men as written...
** {{Bara}}: ...by/for gay men.
** {{Yaoi}}: ...by/for {{Yaoi Fangirl}}s.

!!! '''BaseBreaker''' vs. '''BrokenBase''':
* Polarizing opinion about...
** BaseBreaker: ...a character
** BrokenBase: ...a direction of a series

!!! '''BatDeduction vs. ConvictionByContradiction vs. ConvictionByCounterfactualClue vs. EurekaMoment''':
* BatDeduction: Conclusions about what happened based on insufficient evidence are treated as justified.
* ConvictionByContradiction: Conclusion that someone is guilty based on a flaw in their alibi is treated as justified.
* ConvictionByCounterfactualClue: Conclusion that someone is guilty based on circumstantial evidence '''from false premises''' is treated as justified.
* EurekaMoment: Conclusions about what happened are inspired by completely unrelated events.

!!! '''BatmanGambit vs. GambitPileup vs. XanatosGambit vs. GambitRoulette vs. XanatosSpeedChess:'''
* BatmanGambit: I know what you'll do and I'll use that to win.
* GambitPileup: Everyone's plans crashed into each other...I don't know who'll win.
* GambitRoulette: No matter what happens, no matter how unpredictable, I'll still win.
* XanatosGambit: No matter what you do, I'll still win.
* XanatosSpeedChess: If it looks like I won't win, I'll make up a new plan so I will.

!!! '''BatmanGambit vs. CloningGambit vs. FakeTwinGambit vs. GenghisGambit vs. LysistrataGambit vs. MemoryGambit vs. PartySchedulingGambit vs. PoisonAndCureGambit vs. TheUriahGambit vs. WoundedGazelleGambit vs. XanatosGambit vs. ZeroApprovalGambit:'''
* BatmanGambit: I know what you'll do and I'll use that to win.
* CloningGambit: I'll have my clone so everyone thinks it was really me and I can vanish.
* FakeTwinGambit: I'll play like I'm my twin, even though I don't have one.
* GenghisGambit: Hey, everyone, I know we don't get along but those guys over there just called all of us pansies! Let's kill 'em!
* LysistrataGambit: Alice to Bob: "Do what I say or you get no play."
* MemoryGambit: I don't need these memories right now, but I'll do something so that they're available later.
* PartySchedulingGambit: I'll totally wreck their party with my way better party!
* PoisonAndCureGambit: I'll get 'em all sick and make 'em buy the cure for 100000X what it's worth.
* TheUriahGambit: I need this flunky out of the way...and there's a RedShirt opening tailor-made for him!
* WoundedGazelleGambit: I'll hurt myself and blame Alice so Bob will feel sorry for me.
* XanatosGambit: No matter what you do, I'll still win.
* ZeroApprovalGambit: You're gonna ''hate'' me for this, but you'll thank me later.

!!! '''TheBattleDidntCount vs. HeadsIWinTailsYouLose vs. HopelessBossFight vs. ILetYouWin:'''
* TheBattleDidntCount: You must win, but I don't die.
* HeadsIWinTailsYouLose: You must win, now I kick your ass.
* HopelessBossFight: You can't win, now let's continue.
* ILetYouWin: You must win...as part of my plan.

!!! '''BeautifulAllAlong vs. SheCleansUpNicely vs. SheIsAllGrownUp''':
* BeautifulAllAlong: Now that you've taken off your glasses and let down your hair, I realize you're beautiful.
* SheCleansUpNicely: Now that you've put on a ball gown and had a makeover, you're even more beautiful.
* SheIsAllGrownUp: Now that puberty's beaten you with a pretty stick, you're even ''more'' beautiful.

!!!BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor vs. WantingIsBetterThanHaving
You wish for something and get it. But...
* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: ...unforeseen consequences cause you later to regret making the wish.
* WantingIsBetterThanHaving: ...reality fails to live up to the expectations.

!!! '''BecomeARealBoy vs. PinocchioSyndrome'''
* A non-human wants to get more human-like with respect to...
** BecomeARealBoy: personality.
** PinocchioSyndrome: body.

!!! '''BellisariosMaxim vs. MST3KMantra''':
* BellisariosMaxim: We can't make it perfect, cut us some slack.
* MST3KMantra: Not everything is important, relax.

!!! '''BeneathTheMask vs ADarkerMe vs {{GIFT}} vs HiddenDepths''':
* Alice is different person...
** BeneathTheMask: when anonymous/powerful, because then her real personality is revealed.
** ADarkerMe: when anonymous/powerful, specifically she's DarkerAndEdgier.
** {{GIFT}}: when anonymous/powerful, because then she becomes a jerk.
** HiddenDepths: once you get to know her.

!!! '''BetterByADifferentName vs. FollowTheLeader vs. RecycledInSPACE''':
* Let's cash in on the success of ''The Wacky Adventures of Bob and Alice'' by...
** FollowTheLeader: making our own show about adventuring tropers which will appeal to the same audience.
** BetterByADifferentName: copying the premise and making the main characters {{Captain Ersatz}}es of Bob and Alice.
** RecycledInSPACE: doing the same show, but Bob and Alice are robots!

!!!{{BFG}} vs. HandCannon
* {{BFG}}: a particularly large and unwieldy gun.
* HandCannon: a very large pistol, but not that huge.

!!! '''BigNo vs. {{Squick}}''':
* BigNo: Character's verbal reaction to being upset.
* {{Squick}}: Physical reaction to something upsetting.

!!!BitPartBadGuys vs. {{Mooks}}
Small-time villains...
* BitPartBadGuys: acting on their own.
* {{Mooks}}: working for a BigBad.

!!!BittersweetEnding vs. EarnYourHappyEnding vs. PyrrhicVictory
* BittersweetEnding: Good guys win, but at great cost
* PyrrhicVictory: Battle with a BittersweetEnding
* EarnYourHappyEnding: The story is mostly cynical, but the ending is more idealistic.

!!! '''BlackComedy vs. GallowsHumor''':
* BlackComedy: Jokes about normally serious things.
* GallowsHumor: Jokes about normally serious things by the victims to relieve tension.

!!! BlackSheepHit vs. CreatorBacklash vs. MagnumOpusDissonance vs. OldShame
* BlackSheepHit: Hit song is very different from the musician's usual style.
* CreatorBacklash: Creator detests their popular work.
* MagnumOpusDissonance: Nobody remembers the creator's pet project.
* OldShame: Creator hopes everyone forgot about their work.

!!!BlandNameProduct vs. FictionalCounterpart
* BlandNameProduct: AliceAndBob drive a BMV.
* FictionalCounterpart: AliceAndBob's new adventure is set in the BMV factory.

!!! '''BlindIdiotTranslation vs. EitherWorldDominationOrSomethingAboutBananas vs. MyHovercraftIsFullOfEels vs. TranslationTrainWreck:'''
* What Alice says makes no sense...
** MyHovercraftIsFullOfEels: ...because she doesn't speak the language.
** EitherWorldDominationOrSomethingAboutBananas: ...because her friend Bob tries to interpret for her and comes up with two wildly different translations.
** BlindIdiotTranslation: ...because Carla, the book's translator, fails.
** TranslationTrainWreck: ...but neither does anything else in the narrative or dialogue, because the translator doesn't speak either language.

!!!{{Bokukko}} vs. TheLadette vs. {{Shorttank}} vs. {{Tomboy}}
This is a girl who...
* {{Bokukko}}: ...uses male pronouns.
* {{Shorttank}}: ...is sporty and has more boyish qualities than feminine ones.
* TheLadette: ...acts like a guy.
* {{Tomboy}}: SuperTrope to all of these.

!!!BondOneLiner vs. QuipToBlack vs. PreAssKickingOneLiner vs. PreMortemOneLiner
A cool line uttered...
* PreAssKickingOneLiner: ...''before beginning'' a fight.
* PreMortemOneLiner: ...''before ending'' a fight.
* BondOneLiner: ...''after ending'' a fight.
* QuipToBlack: ...by someone who wasn't in the fight.

!!! '''BoobsOfSteel vs. BuxomIsBetter vs. GagBoobs vs. MostCommonSuperpower'''
* She has big boobs...
** BoobsOfSteel: ... because she's badass.
** BuxomIsBetter: ... so she's clearly more attractive than the next girl.
** GagBoobs: ... and it's funny!
** MostCommonSuperpower: ... 'cause that's what superwomen have.

!!! '''BringMyBrownPants''' vs. '''NoDeadBodyPoops''' vs. '''PottyEmergency''' vs. '''PottyFailure'''
* Characters wet or soil themselves...
** BringMyBrownPants: ...because the crap was scared out of them.
** NoDeadBodyPoops: ...because they just died.
** PottyEmergency: ...or are on the verge of doing so.
** PottyFailure: ...because they just couldn't make it.

!!!BrainlessBeauty vs. DumbBlonde
* BrainlessBeauty: does not ''have'' to be blond.
* DumbBlonde: does not ''have'' to be the BrainlessBeauty.

!!! '''BreakingTheFourthWall vs. FourthWall vs. MediumAwareness vs. NoFourthWall vs. NoInnerFourthWall:'''
* FourthWall: {{Spider-Man}} doesn't know he's a character in a comic book.
* BreakingTheFourthWall: {{Deadpool}} ''does'' know he's a character in a comic book.
** NoFourthWall: And holds conversations with the audience. All the time.
** MediumAwareness: Deadpool can see his thought bubbles.
* NoInnerFourthWall: [[Film/LastActionHero Jack Slater]] finds out he's a character in a story, but ''the story itself'' is also fictional.

!!! '''BreakThemByTalking vs. HannibalLecture vs. TheReasonYouSuckSpeech'''
* Bob tells Alice what a pathetic creature she is...
** BreakThemByTalking: ...to break her will
*** HannibalLecture: [[SubTrope while]] she is interrogating him.
** TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: ...to mock her.

!!!BrickJoke vs. ChekhovsGag
* BrickJoke: You don't know why it was there until it shows up again later.
* ChekhovsGag: It was a joke. Now it's back for a second round.

!!! '''BrokenAesop vs. CluelessAesop vs. FamilyUnfriendlyAesop vs. LostAesop''':
* The moral of ''The Boy Who Cried Wolf'' is...
** BrokenAesop: ...your parents will always believe you.
** CluelessAesop: ...child labour is bad.
** FamilyUnfriendlyAesop: ...don't tell the same lie twice.
** LostAesop: ...what was it again? Something about lying?

!!!BrokenBase vs. FanDumb vs. TheyChangedItNowItSucks vs. UnpleasableFanbase
* BrokenBase: the fans disagree too much with each other.
* FanDumb: some fans are simply {{troll}}s.
* TheyChangedItNowItSucks: the fans consider every change in the source as "DarthWiki/RuinedFOREVER!"
* UnpleasableFanbase: can cover all of the above, but is about how any effort to please the fans will fail because of differing desires. (With the exception of SugarWiki/AndTheFandomRejoiced)

!!!{{Buffyspeak}} vs. TotallyRadical
* TotallyRadical: is a genuine attempt by the writers (or a character) to use modern (or period) slang, but comes off as fake because it is from the wrong period, or otherwise misused.
* {{Buffyspeak}}: is a writer avoiding the first trope by using made-up speech patterns that sound plausible but aren't an actual attempt to use RealLife slang.

!!! '''BulletproofHumanShield vs. HumanShield'''
* BulletproofHumanShield: Using a human body as a shield always stops bullets.
* HumanShield: The Villain holds an innocent in the line of fire.

!!!BulletTime vs. SuperReflexes
* BulletTime: is a visual effect to show that a character's senses are so heightened that he can react to things as if they were in slow-motion.
* SuperReflexes: is a StockSuperpower where a character can react to situations faster than normal; it may be depicted (visually) with BulletTime, SlowMotion, or some other effect.

!!! '''BullyingADragon vs. MuggingTheMonster vs. UnderestimatingBadassery'''
* Before he thrashed you with his superpowers because you picked on him, did you know he had any?
** BullyingADragon: Yes.
** MuggingTheMonster: No.
** UnderestimatingBadassery: Stupid, cheap-ass fake [[KryptoniteFactor Krypt]][[SubvertedTrope onite]]!

!!! '''BunnyEarsLawyer vs. CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass vs. ObfuscatingStupidity vs. ObfuscatingInsanity vs. LetsGetDangerous vs. CrazyAwesome:'''
* BunnyEarsLawyer: Quirky but still competent.
* CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass: ''is'' incompetent until pushed.
* ObfuscatingStupidity: Deliberately acts stupid to conceal competence.
* ObfuscatingInsanity: Deliberately acts crazy to conceal competence.
* LetsGetDangerous: Said to be badass but ''seems'' incompetent, until pushed.
* CrazyAwesome: Competent ''because of'' their craziness.

!!! '''ButICantBePregnant vs. ButWeUsedACondom vs. MissConception vs. SurprisePregnancy'''
* "I'm pregnant? But..."
** ButICantBePregnant: ...The doctors said that's impossible!
** ButWeUsedACondom: ...We used protection!
** MissConception: ...I thought you couldn't get pregnant that way!
** SurprisePregnancy: ...How did I not know until I went into labor?

!!! '''ButNotTooEvil vs. HarmlessVillain vs. PokeThePoodle'''
* Your villian does not do serious evil...
** ButNotTooEvil: because the MoralGuardians don't allow it.
** HarmlessVillain: because that's how you wanted him to be.
** PokeThePoodle: and these harmless ''actions'' of evil prove it.

!!! '''ButtMonkey vs. CosmicPlaything vs. TheChewToy vs. TheWoobie:'''
* Your life sucks...
** ButtMonkey: because of the other characters.
** CosmicPlaything: because of the universe.
** TheChewToy: to please the audience.
** TheWoobie: but the audience sympathizes.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:C]]
!!! '''CallBack vs. ContinuityNod vs. MythologyGag''':
* CallBack: Relevant reference to series' continuity.
* ContinuityNod: Irrelevant reference to series' continuity.
* MythologyGag: Reference to the franchise's history.

!!! '''{{Calvinball}} vs. GretzkyHasTheBall vs. NewRulesasthePlotDemands vs. UnnecessaryRoughness:'''
* The rules of the game...
** GretzkyHasTheBall: ... are misrepresented.
** NewRulesAsThePlotDemands: ... are ignored for convenience.
** {{Calvinball}}: ... don't exist.
** UnnecessaryRoughness: ... are ignored even in the face of violent and injurious behavior.

!!! '''CampbellCountry vs. LovecraftCountry'''
* The [[CosmicHorrorStory old dark secrets]] are very...
** CampbellCountry: ...old.
** LovecraftCountry: ...secret.

!!! '''CampGay vs. HardGay''':
* CampGay: FLAMING!
* HardGay: GRRRR!

!!!CampStraight vs. TheDandy
* CampStraight: acts {{Camp}}, but is not gay.
* TheDandy: generally concerned with appearance.

!!! '''{{Canon}} vs. {{Fanon}} vs. AscendedFanon vs. FanonDiscontinuity vs. CanonDiscontinuity vs. RunningTheAsylum vs. ExtendedUniverse vs. WordOfDante vs. WordOfStPaul vs. WordOfGod:'''
* The fandom says something happened in the story.
** {{Canon}}: It did.
** {{Fanon}}: It didn't.
** AscendedFanon: It didn't, but then the writers put it in.
** FanonDiscontinuity: It did, but the fans pretend it didn't.
** CanonDiscontinuity: It used to, but now it ''actually'' didn't.
** RunningTheAsylum: It didn't, but it seeped in as fans started populating the writing staff.
** WordOfDante: It didn't, but it's unanimously accepted.
** WordOfStPaul: It isn't shown in the work, but the writer's family or other people close to him said it did.
** WordOfGod: It isn't shown in the work, but the writers said it did.
** ExpandedUniverse: It happened in a work written by a third party and endorsed by the author.

!!! '''CanonForeigner vs. CanonImmigrant'''
* CanonForeigner: refers to a character exclusive to a certain adaptation of a previously-existing fictional universe.
* CanonImmigrant: is when a character originally created in an adaptation is later introduced in the original source material.

!!! '''CanonSue vs. CreatorsPet vs. TheScrappy vs. XPacHeat''':
* CanonSue: Character represents the author.
* CreatorsPet: Fans hate the character but the authors love them.
* TheScrappy: Fans hate the character but he/she/it still has major role.
* XPacHeat: Fans hate the actor rather than the character.

!!! '''CannonFodder vs. RedshirtArmy''':
* CannonFodder: Dies to make the hero look powerful.
* RedshirtArmy: Dies to make the villain look powerful.

!!! '''CaptainErsatz vs. {{Expy}}''':
* A duplicate from another work, which...
** CaptainErsatz: is supposed to be that character.
** {{Expy}}: is inspired by that character.

!!! '''CartwrightCurse vs. FatalAttractor'''
* A character's love interests frequently end up...
** CartwrightCurse: dead.
** FatalAttractor: AxCrazy.

!!! '''TheCassandra vs. CassandraTruth vs. IgnoredExpert''':
* CassandraTruth: A character's warnings go unheeded, despite...
** TheCassandra: ...that history has proven them right time and time again.
** IgnoredExpert: ...that they're an expert on the subject.

!!! CassandraGambit vs. '''CassandraTruth vs. SarcasticConfession''':
* CassandraGambit: [[InvokedTrope I release the truth through low-credibility channels.]]
* CassandraTruth: I try to tell you the truth, but you won't believe me.
* SarcasticConfession: I tell you the truth because I ''know'' you won't believe me.

!!! '''CassandraTruth vs. NotNowKiddo''':
* The character has an important message...
** NotNowKiddo: ...but can't get a word in.
** CassandraTruth: ...but it isn't taken seriously.

!!! '''CastingCouch vs.SexualExtortion vs ScarpiaUltimatum'''
* Alice, I must have you! Succumb or...
** CastingCouch: ...you can forget that acting career.
** SexualExtortion: ...I'll fire you.
** ScarpiaUltimatum: ...I'll strangle your boyfriend here and now.

!!! '''CatFight vs. DesignatedGirlFight'''
* Two girls fight each other because...
** CatFight: ...it's hot.
** DesignatedGirlFight: ...the guy WouldntHitAGirl.

!!! CerebusSyndrome vs. DarkerAndEdgier
* CerebusSyndrome: when a light, comedic series gets more serious and dramatic as it goes on (but not necessarily darker).
* DarkerAndEdgier: a series gets darker undertones over time ''or'' when a sequel/reboot/alternate continuity is noticeably darker than its predecessor(s) (but not necessarily more serious).

!!! '''HeadInTheSandManagement vs. TheQuisling''':
* An authority figure that aids evil by...
** HeadInTheSandManagement: ...ignoring it.
** TheQuisling: ...working for it.

!!! '''CharacterDerailment vs. OutOfCharacter:'''
* Character's personality changes without proper justification...
** CharacterDerailment: in canon.
** OutOfCharacter: in a [[DerivativeWorks Derivative Work]].

!!! '''CharacterFilibuster vs. HoldingTheFloor:'''
* Bob has been up on stage talking for ten minutes because...
** CharacterFilibuster: the author is [[AuthorFilibuster making a point]].
** HoldingTheFloor: he's buying time or providing a [[WeNeedADistraction distraction]].

!!! '''CharacterMagneticTeam vs. HitchhikerHeroes vs. MagneticHero''':
* CharacterMagneticTeam: The group keeps attracting new members.
* HitchhikerHeroes: New group members turn up during the quest.
* MagneticHero: The hero keeps attracting followers.

!!! '''CharmPerson vs. CompellingVoice''':
* Control over a character, which...
** CharmPerson: Can be fought.
** CompellingVoice: Can't be fought.

!!! '''ChasteHero vs. CelibateHero vs. {{Asexuality}}'''
* The opposite sex shows a clear interest in the hero but he/she...
** ChasteHero: is completely clueless about their interest in them.
** CelibateHero: prefers to avoid love/lust entanglements.
** {{Asexuality}}: has no interest in that sort of thing; period.

!!!CheatersNeverProsper vs. DickDastardlyStopsToCheat
* You cheat and lose...
** CheatersNeverProsper: ...because that's how things are.
** DickDastardlyStopsToCheat: ...because you wasted time cheating.

!!! '''ChekhovsArmoury vs. ChekhovsBoomerang vs. ChekhovsGun''':
* ChekhovsGun: Seems unimportant at first, then turns up as plot device.
* ChekhovsBoomerang: You think you're finished with the plot device, but here it comes again.
* ChekhovsArmoury: ''Everything'' is a Chekhov's Gun.

!!!CherryTapping vs. DeathOfAThousandCuts vs. DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu vs. FingerPokeOfDoom vs. ZergRush
* CherryTapping: Weak move finishes opponent.
* DeathOfAThousandCuts: Many weak attacks combine for strong impact.
* DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu: Weak character defeats very strong opponent.
* FingerPokeOfDoom:: Weak attack does lots of damage.
* ZergRush: Swarm attack by lots of weak opponents.

!!! '''TheChessmaster vs. ManipulativeBastard vs. MagnificentBastard''':
* TheChessmaster: Treats everyone like pawns.
* ManipulativeBastard: Uses peoples' emotions to exploit them.
* MagnificentBastard: It's not exploiting, it's manipulating with style!

!!! '''ChewingTheScenery vs. LargeHam''':
* ChewingTheScenery: A scene that calls for overacting.
* LargeHam: A performer who often or always overacts.

!!!ClarkKenting vs. PaperThinDisguise vs. WigDressAccent
* WigDressAccent: when a character physically disguises himself.
* ClarkKenting: when a character disguises himself to maintain an [[SecretIdentity Alter Ego]].
* PaperThinDisguise: when the audience isn't fooled by the disguise.

!!! '''CliffHanger vs. SequelHook:'''
* You wait for the next episode to see...
** CliffHanger: ...peril averted.
** SequelHook: ...a loose end tied up.

!!! '''ClosingCredits vs. CreativeClosingCredits vs. CreditsGag'''
* ClosingCredits: the credits that roll at the end of a show.
* CreativeClosingCredits: interesting variations on closing credits, as opposed to the classic "white text and black background."
* CreditsGag: a joke that appears during the end credits

!!! '''CoincidentalBroadcast vs. CrystalBallScheduling''':
* CoincidentalBroadcast: TV conveniently progresses plot.
* CrystalBallScheduling: TV conveniently parallels plot.

!!! '''ColorCodedForYourConvenience vs. ChromaticArrangement vs. RedShirt vs. BringMyRedJacket vs. TurnsRed vs. LawOfChromaticSuperiority'''
* The red ones...
** ColorCodedForYourConvenience: are heroic!
** ChromaticArrangement: tend to be leaders!
** RedShirt: die first!
** BringMyRedJacket: get hurt a lot!
** TurnsRed: are harder to beat when they get pissed off!
** LawOfChromaticSuperiority: go faster!

!!! '''CombatMedic vs. DeadlyDoctor vs. MartialMedic'''
* The character knows how to heal...
** CombatMedic: and also can fight.
** DeadlyDoctor: and uses this knowledge to fight.
** MartialMedic: because he knows how to fight.

!!! '''ConfusionFu vs. IndyPloy vs. StrategySchmategy''':
* [[AliceAndBob Bob]] is unpredictable because...
** ConfusionFu: he's ''trying'' to be unpredictable.
** IndyPloy: he's improvising.
** StrategySchmategy: [[HanlonsRazor he's a moron.]]

!!! '''ConvenientlyAnOrphan''' vs. '''OrphansOrdeal''':
* ConvenientlyAnOrphan: Orphanhood ''enables'' the plot.
* OrphansOrdeal: Orphanhood ''is'' the plot.

!!! '''ConvictionByContradiction vs. ConvictionByCounterfactualClue''':
* ConvictionByContradiction: Showing that Bob's alibi was false doesn't ''prove'' he's guilty.
* ConvictionByCounterfactualClue: Bob is "proved" guilty with incorrect evidence.

!!! '''CordonBleughChef vs. LethalChef vs. OneNoteCook'''
* A cook that makes very bad, even toxic food...
** CordonBleughChef: ...through misguided experimentation.
** LethalChef: ...because of lack of skill.
** OneNoteCook: ...except for one dish, at which they excel.

!!! '''CorruptChurch vs. PathOfInspiration vs. ReligionOfEvil''':
* CorruptChurch: Started good, turned evil inside.
* PathOfInspiration: Started evil; good on the outside, evil on the inside.
* ReligionOfEvil: Evil. Just Evil.

!!! '''CosmicHorrorStory vs. EldritchAbomination vs. LovecraftLite'''
* CosmicHorrorStory: The genre where we'll all eventually get eaten by monsters from beyond comprehension.
* EldritchAbomination: The creatures that do the eating.
* LovecraftLite: The genre where the monsters from beyond all comprehension get killed and we don't get eaten.

!!! '''CowboyBebopAtHisComputer vs. IAmNotShazam vs. FandomBerserkButton''':
* CowboyBebopAtHisComputer: The news gets it wrong.
* IAmNotShazam: Casual fans and nonfans mistakenly think the title of the story is also the main characters name.
* FandomBerserkButton: Fans react poorly to mistakes, genuine and otherwise.

!!! '''CreatorBacklash vs. OldShame''':
* A creator hates one of their works...
** OldShame: ...because it sucks.
** CreatorBacklash: ...even if others like it.

!!! '''CriticalResearchFailure vs. DanBrowned:''':
* CriticalResearchFailure: Anybody who knows anything about the subject knows that bit is wrong.
* DanBrowned: The author or the advertising ''said'' it's true. It's not.

!!! '''CrossOver vs. IntercontinuityCrossover vs. MassiveMultiplayerCrossover vs. MegaCrossover vs. FusionFic''':
* CrossOver: Characters from different stories, but the same universe, meet.
* IntercontinuityCrossover: Characters from two different universes meet.
* MassiveMultiplayerCrossover: Characters from three or more different universes officially meet.
* MegaCrossover: Characters from three or more different universes unofficially meet.
* FusionFic: We replaced story A's characters with characters from X, let's see what happens...

!!! '''CurbStompBattle vs. NoHoldsBarredBeatDown vs. OneHitKO'''
* The fight is completely one-sided and ends with...
** CurbStompBattle: ...the villain decisively defeated.
** NoHoldsBarredBeatDown: ...the hero beaten to a pulp.
** OneHitKO: ...the first blow.

!!! '''CuriousAsAMonkey vs. ConstantlyCurious'''
* A child learns about the world around him by...
** CuriousAsAMonkey: Taking things apart.
** ConstantlyCurious: Constant questions.

!!! '''CuteAndPsycho vs. SugarAndIcePersonality vs. {{Tsundere}} vs. {{Yandere}}'''
* Acts ''A'' but has a ''B'' side.
** SugarAndIcePersonality: Cold / sweet.
** {{Tsundere}}:
*** Type A: Testy / sweet.
*** Type B: Sweet / testy.
** {{Yandere}}: Sweet / crazy ([[StalkerWithACrush for love]]).
** CuteAndPsycho: Sweet / crazy.

!!! '''CuteAsABouncingBetty vs. ICallHerVera'''
* CuteAsABouncingBetty: Cute/funny nicknames for military gear and weapons.
* ICallHerVera: Loving your weapon enough to name it.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:D]]
!!! '''DeadPersonConversation vs. MummiesAtTheDinnerTable vs. OfCorpseHesAlive vs. TalkingToTheDead'''
* He's not ''really'' dead as long as...
** DeadPersonConversation: ...he talks to us from the afterlife.
** MummiesAtTheDinnerTable: ...I say he's just resting.
** OfCorpseHesAlive: ...I don't get caught pulling the strings.
** TalkingToTheDead: ... I talk to him, even if he's not there to listen.

!!! '''DeathByGenreSavvy vs. DangerouslyGenreSavvy''':
* A character is GenreSavvy. This poses a problem for:
** DeathByGenreSavvy: Himself.
** DangerouslyGenreSavvy: His enemies.

!!! '''DeathbringerTheAdorable vs. FluffyTheTerrible''':
* DeathbringerTheAdorable: Scary name but harmless.
* FluffyTheTerrible: Cute name but dangerous.

!!! '''{{Defictionalization}} vs. TheRedStapler vs. ProductPlacement:'''
* A product appears in a work of fiction that is:
** {{Defictionalization}}: Fictional, but due to fan demand, it later becomes a real product.
** TheRedStapler: Real and receives an unexpected boost in sales/popularity due to appearance on-screen.
** ProductPlacement: Real and is intentionally featured in the hopes it will boost sales/popularity.

!!! '''DemonicSpiders vs. GoddamnedBats''':
* Annoying, hard-to-kill/avoid video game monsters that are:
** DemonicSpiders: Deadly.
** GoddamnedBats: Not deadly.

!!! '''DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment vs. ShapedLikeItself''':
* ShapedLikeItself: Explanatory statement that is at the same time a description.
* DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment: A description that is repetitive, possibly humorous, repetitive, and repetitive.

!!! '''TheDeterminator vs. ImplacableMan''':
* Alice keeps chasing Bob...
** ImplacableMan: ...because she's an indestructible robot following her programming.
** TheDeterminator: ...despite hunger, dehydration, and a broken arm, because she's ''pissed.''

!!! '''DeusExNukina vs. NuclearOption vs. NuclearWeaponsTaboo vs. NukeEm vs. YouNukeEm'''
* Nukes are...
** DeusExNukina: Used in unrealistic ways to crank up the drama.
** NuclearOption: Used as an absolute last resort when all else has failed.
** NuclearWeaponsTaboo: Substituted with a weapon that's just as destructive.
** NukeEm: Used frequently, recklesly and exclusively to almost anything else.
** YouNukeEm: Used whenever the player in a video game feels like using them.

!!! '''DieForOurShip vs. ShipToShipCombat''':
* Shipper fights for their OTP...
** DieForOurShip: by destroying characters in the way.
** ShipToShipCombat: by destroying other fans in the way.

!!! '''DieselPunk vs. RaygunGothic:'''
* RaygunGothic is how sci-fi artists of the 20's through the 50's imagined the future would look.
* DieselPunk is how sci-fi authors of today imagine the 20's through the 50's could have gone if our grandparents had more AppliedPhlebotinum.

!!! '''{{Discontinuity}}: CanonDiscontinuity vs. FanonDiscontinuity vs. DorkAge vs. {{Retcon}}'''
* Something happened in a show, but...
** CanonDiscontinuity: WordOfGod says it didn't happen.
** FanonDiscontinuity: The fans pretend it didn't happen.
** DorkAge: We don't like to talk about that.
** {{Retcon}}: It was changed so that it happened differently.

!!! '''DiscreditedTrope vs. DeadHorseTrope vs. ForgottenTrope vs. UndeadHorseTrope vs. DeadUnicornTrope'''
* DiscreditedTrope: That trope is hardly played straight anymore.
* DeadHorseTrope: A trope is never played straight anymore.
* ForgottenTrope: A trope isn't even heard of anymore.
* UndeadHorseTrope: A trope that refuses to die.
* DeadUnicornTrope: A trope never was played straight to begin with.

!!! '''DisneyDeath vs. HesJustHiding vs. NeverSayDie''':
* DisneyDeath: You think he's dead, but he's not.
* HesJustHiding: You assume he isn't dead.
* NeverSayDie: No one really dies.

!!! '''DisposableVagrant vs. KillThePoor''':
* Killing poor people because...
** DisposableVagrant: ...no one would notice them being gone.
** KillThePoor: ...they're poor.

!!! '''DontMakeMeTakeMyBeltOff vs SpankTheCutie:'''
::Spanking done...
* DontMakeMeTakeMyBeltOff: mostly on boys and for drama; implements are necessary.
* SpankTheCutie: mostly on girls and for comedy or erotic purposes; implements are rarely used.

!!! '''DolledUpInstallment vs. InNameOnly''':
* Something in an existing franchise...
** DolledUpInstallment: began unrelated, was changed to fit in.
** InNameOnly: began related, but then they changed everything.

!!! '''DoWrongRight vs EvenEvilHasStandards vs PragmaticVillainy'''
* TheDragon won't gun down these unarmed civilians when given the order...
** DoWrongRight: ...because [[ItWorksBetterWithBullets he has to reload first]].
** EvenEvilHasStandards: ...because it's wrong.
** PragmaticVillainy: ...because he can use hostages.

!!! '''DumbIsGood vs GoodIsDumb'''
* A good person is stupid, or at least more stupid than he used to be. Which came first?
** DumbIsGood: The stupidity.
** GoodIsDumb: The goodness.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:E]]
!!! '''EarthShatteringKaboom vs. TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt''':
* The world is destroyed...
** EarthShatteringKaboom: ...literally.
** TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt: ...metaphorically.

!!! '''EasilyForgiven vs. GetOutOfJailFreeCard vs. KarmaHoudini''' :
* EasilyForgiven: We forgive you.
* GetOutOfJailFreeCard: We forgive you because...HandWave.
* KarmaHoudini: Karma forgives you.

!!! '''PlotTailoredToTheParty vs. ThisLooksLikeAJobForAquaman''':
* The task can only be solved by...
** PlotTailoredToTheParty: ...everyone pooling their individual abilities.
** ThisLooksLikeAJobForAquaman: ...Captain Useless!

!!! '''EndlessGame vs. GameOver vs. {{Unwinnable}}:'''
* Oops! You lose!:
** EndlessGame: The game was only about ScoringPoints, how many did you get?
** GameOver: You ran out of lives/whatever and can't continue playing.
** {{Unwinnable}}: And you may not know you lost for a while, since you can keep playing...

!!! '''EndOfAnAge vs. {{Gotterdammerung}} vs. HereThereWereDragons vs. TheMagicGoesAway:'''
* An age gives way to another, and the story...
** EndOfAnAge: ...describes the feeling of loss.
** {{Gotterdammerung}}: ...describes the violent upheaval that ended the reign of the old gods.
** HereThereWereDragons: ...contrasts the magical past with the mundane present.
** TheMagicGoesAway: ...gives an account of what caused the end of the old age.

!!! '''EnemyWithout vs. LiteralSplitPersonality''':
* EnemyWithout: Copy derived from original.
* LiteralSplitPersonality: Original split into two identical parts.

!!! '''EpilepticTrees vs. EveryoneIsJesusInPurgatory vs. WildMassGuessing''':
* EpilepticTrees: Speculating on what happened or will happen.
* EveryoneIsJesusInPurgatory: Speculating on what it means or represents.
* WildMassGuessing: Where Tropers can share both.

!!! '''ErectionRejection vs. FanDisservice vs. FetishRetardant:'''
* FetishRetardant: You fail at sexy.
* FanDisservice: You win at unsexy.
* ErectionRejection: You fail at sexy...and sexy was all you had.

!!! '''EvilTwin vs. EvilCounterpart vs. EvilKnockoff vs. CriminalDoppelganger:'''
* EvilTwin: Evil identical twin.
* EvilCounterpart: Evil version of the hero.
* EvilKnockoff: Evil copy of a hero, working for the villain.
* CriminalDoppelganger: Evil IdenticalStranger.

!!! '''ExampleAsAThesis vs. SelfDemonstratingArticle'''
* ExampleAsAThesis: See AliceAndBob. See Alice and Bob demonstrate an example of the trope. See actual definition following behind them.
* SelfDemonstratingArticle: Somebody forgot their punctuation marks when describing NoPunctuationPeriod.

!!! '''ExpositoryHairstyleChange vs. ImportantHaircut vs. GoodHairEvilHair:'''
* A personality change is indicated by...
** ExpositoryHairstyleChange: ...a change in hairstyle.
** ImportantHaircut: ...the act of cutting the hair.
*** GoodHairEvilHair: the change is specifically a HeelFaceTurn or FaceHeelTurn.

!!! '''ExpospeakGag vs. LaymansTerms''':
* ExpospeakGag: simple concept made complex.
* LaymansTerms: complex concept made simple.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:F]]
!!! '''FaceOfTheBand vs. IAmTheBand''':
* FaceOfTheBand: Bob is the only member of The Tropes that most people can name.
* IAmTheBand: Of course, Bob does write and sing all the songs and plays lead guitar.

!!! '''FailureHero vs. InvincibleHero vs. ShowyInvincibleHero '''
* FailureHero: ...can do no right, so the story sucks.
* InvincibleHero: ...can do no wrong, so the story sucks.
* ShowyInvincibleHero: ...can do no wrong, and that's the point of the story.


!!! '''FakeUltimateHero vs. MilesGloriosus''':
* FakeUltimateHero: They think he did hero stuff, but he didn't...
** MilesGloriosus: ...because he's a bravado-filled coward.

!!! '''FamilyVersusCareer vs. NeverASelfMadeWoman'''
* FamilyVersusCareer: A woman should choose the career.
* NeverASelfMadeWoman: Her husband is more interesting anyway.

!!! '''FanDumb vs. BrokenBase vs. TheyChangedItNowItSucks vs. UnpleasableFanbase''':
* FanDumb: Annoying fans.
* BrokenBase: Annoying fans who can't agree with each other.
* TheyChangedItNowItSucks: Annoying fans who don't like change.
* UnpleasableFanbase: Annoying fans who can't be pleased.

!!! '''FantasticAesop vs. SpaceWhaleAesop''':
* FantasticAesop: Don't do this thing, even though you can't do it anyway.
* SpaceWhaleAesop: Don't do this thing, or something that can't happen will happen.

!!! '''FantasticDrug vs. GRatedDrug vs. ICantBelieveItsNotHeroin''':
* The "drug" that a character is addicted to is...
** FantasticDrug: not even a real substance.
** GRatedDrug: a comparatively mild drug.
** ICantBelieveItsNotHeroin: real, but not a drug.

!!! '''FateWorseThanDeath''' vs. '''AndIMustScream'''
* FateWorseThanDeath: The Fate itself.
* AndIMustScream: The Fate itself...without end.

!!! '''{{Filler}} vs. {{Padding}} vs. WackyWaysideTribe''':
* {{Filler}}: Additional side stories unimportant to the main plot arc.
* {{Padding}}: Additional material added to the main plot to stretch the length.
* WackyWaysideTribe: Additional obstacles added to the main plot to give the characters a hard time.

!!! '''TheFilmOfTheBook vs. TheMovie:'''
* TheFilmOfTheBook: ''Book: The Movie''.
* TheMovie: ''TV Show: The Movie''.

!!! '''TheFilmOfTheSeries vs. TheMovie vs. NonSerialMovie:'''
* TheFilmOfTheSeries: Different cast.
* TheMovie: Same cast, in continuity.
* NonSerialMovie: Same cast, not in continuity.

!!! '''FiveBadBand vs. ThePsychoRangers vs. QuirkyMinibossSquad:'''
* An evil team consisting of...
** FiveBadBand: ...villains with specific complementary roles.
** ThePsychoRangers: ...{{Evil Counterpart}}s to the heroes.
** QuirkyMinibossSquad: ...skilled individuals.

!!! '''ForgottenPhlebotinum vs. PlotInducedStupidity vs. HoldingBackThePhlebotinum vs. ItOnlyWorksOnce'''
* A gimmick could have been reused...
** ForgottenPhlebotinum: ...but they forgot to.
*** PlotInducedStupidity: as above, but with a character's ability.
** HoldingBackThePhlebotinum: ...but it won't work now.
** ItOnlyWorksOnce: ...but it's used up.

!!! '''ForHalloweenIAmGoingAsMyself vs. YourCostumeNeedsWork''':
* [[WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}} Goliath]] is going to a Halloween party...
** ForHalloweenIAmGoingAsMyself: ...because it's the only time of year he can be seen in public.
** YourCostumeNeedsWork: ...and people tell him his wings look fake.

!!! '''ForeignCussWord vs. UnusualEuphemism vs. PardonMyKlingon'''
* Profanity is replaced by...
** ForeignCussWord: the same word in a different language.
** UnusualEuphemism: a made-up "slang" phrase.
** PardonMyKlingon: A ForeignCussWord '''[-[[RecycledINSPACE FROM SPACE!]]-]'''

!!! '''FragileSpeedster vs. GlassCannon vs. SquishyWizard Vs. TheMedic:'''
* Can't take a punch, but...
** FragileSpeedster: is very hard to hit.
** GlassCannon: sure can deal it out.
** SquishyWizard: can do cool stuff with magic.
** TheMedic: Can heal the guys who can.

!!! '''FreakyFridayFlip vs. PersonalitySwap'''
* Due to some weird event, Alice and Carol discover that they have swapped...
** PersonalitySwap: personality traits (Alice is still Alice, but reacts like Carol would).
** FreakyFridayFlip: minds/souls (Alice is completely in Carol's body).

!!! '''FridgeBrilliance vs. FridgeHorror vs. FridgeLogic:'''
* When you think about a certain aspect of a show you just watched, you realize...
** FridgeBrilliance: ... just how clever it actually was.
** FridgeHorror: ... just how horrible it would be.
** FridgeLogic: ... it made no sense whatsoever.

!!! '''FunnyAneurysmMoment vs. HilariousInHindsight vs. HarsherInHindsight vs. {{Narm}}:'''
* FunnyAneurysmMoment: Supposed to be funny, but some later event makes it not so funny.
* HilariousInHindsight: Later event makes it funnier than originally intended (if it was even meant to be funny at all).
* HarsherInHindsight: Supposed to be serious, and some later event makes it even more serious.
* {{Narm}}: Supposed to be serious, but the audience sees it as funny.

!!! '''FunnyAnimal vs PettingZooPeople vs LittleBitBeastly'''
* All three could be swapped out for humans without changing the surrounding plot too much. What do they actually ''look'' like?
** FunnyAnimal: Animal-shaped body + bipedal stance.
** PettingZooPeople: Human-shaped body + animal's head + tail.
** LittleBitBeastly: Human-shaped body + human face + UnusualEars + tail.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:G]]
!!! '''GenocideBackfire vs. NiceJobBreakingItHerod:'''
* To eliminate a threat, the BigBad...
** GenocideBackfire: ...targets everyone...
** NiceJobBreakingItHerod: ...targets the person destined to be a threat...
*** ...and frequently, as a result, causes them to become a real threat.

!!! '''GenreSavvy vs. DangerouslyGenreSavvy vs. MediumAwareness''':
* GenreSavvy: Aware of storytelling conventions.
* DangerouslyGenreSavvy: Uses storytelling conventions to their advantage.
* MediumAwareness: Aware of {{Paratext}} and lampshades it. May break FourthWall.

!!! '''GiftedlyBad vs. HighHopesZeroTalent vs. ICouldaBeenAContender vs. SorryBillyButYouJustDontHaveLegs'''
* A character cannot achieve his life's ambition because of:
** HighHopesZeroTalent: Utter, nigh-incurable incompetence
*** GiftedlyBad: But that incompetence comes out the other side as SoBadItsGood.
** ICouldaBeenAContender: Circumstances kept him from getting his big break.
** SorryBillyButYouJustDontHaveLegs: A physical handicap.

!!! '''GoneHorriblyWrong vs. GoneHorriblyRight'''
* Bad things happen because the project...
** GoneHorriblyWrong: goes awry.
** GoneHorriblyRight: works ''too'' well.

!!! '''TheGoodGuysAlwaysWin vs. InvincibleHero'''
* The good guy wins...
** TheGoodGuysAlwaysWin: at the end.
** InvincibleHero: in ''every'' conflict.

!!! '''GuyInBack''' vs. {{Wingman}}
* The guy who provides support for the hero...
** GuyInBack: in the same plane.
** {{Wingman}}: by flying a different plane

!!!'''GuyOnGuyIsHot vs. YaoiFangirl'''
* She thinks two guys making out is hot...
** GuyOnGuyIsHot: Because she's red-blooded and female.
** YaoiFangirl: Because she's a pervert with strange tastes.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:H]]
!!! '''HandCannon vs. {{BFG}}''':
* HandCannon: A handgun so large and powerful it's ridiculous.
* {{BFG}}: Any other gun that's so large and powerful it's ridiculous.

!!! '''HandOrObjectUnderwear vs. SceneryCensor:'''
* A naked person...
** HandOrObjectUnderwear: Willfully covers themselves up with something.
** SceneryCensor: Just happens to have something between them and the audience.

!!! '''HandWave vs. JustifiedTrope vs. LampshadeHanging vs. VoodooShark:'''
* HandWave: Flimsy explanation of the trope.
* JustifiedTrope: Logical explanation of the trope.
* LampshadeHanging: Point at the trope, but don't explain.
* VoodooShark: Explanation of the trope that makes things worse.

!!! '''HaveANiceDeath vs. ItsAWonderfulFailure vs. NonstandardGameOver vs. FissionMailed''':
* Your game ends...
** HaveANiceDeath: and the game mocks you for your failure.
** ItsAWonderfulFailure: and the game forces you to sit through a drawn-out DownerEnding.
** NonstandardGameOver: suddenly, in an unusual way.
** FissionMailed: ...NOT! Made you look!

!!! '''HeroicBSOD vs. HeroicRROD vs. SuperPowerMeltdown''':
* HeroicBSOD: Traumatic experience makes you go catatonic.
* HeroicRROD: Overusing your powers makes you go BOOM.
* SuperPowerMeltdown: Overusing your powers makes the whole place go BOOM.

!!! '''HeroicFantasy vs. HighFantasy vs. LowFantasy vs. StandardFantasySetting:''':
* A StandardFantasySetting story about...
** HeroicFantasy: ...the adventures of an epic hero.
** HighFantasy: ...the struggle against an epic BigBad.
** LowFantasy: ...something else.

!!! '''HeterosexualLifePartners vs. HoYay vs. OddCouple''':
* HeterosexualLifePartners: Same sex friends who act like a couple.
* HoYay: Homosexual subtext.
* OddCouple: Friends with opposite personalities.

!!! '''HoYay vs. HomoeroticSubtext'''
* HoYay: The fans notice homoerotic subtext.
* HomoeroticSubtext: The HoYay was intended by the writers.

!!! '''{{Homage}} vs. ShoutOut''':
* {{Homage}}: Extended reference.
* ShoutOut: Quick nod.
** CallBack: Work references itself.

!!! '''HonorBeforeReason vs. LawfulStupid''':
* It's not exactly the smart thing to do, but...
** HonorBeforeReason: it's the right thing to do.
** LawfulStupid: the rules say we do it.

!!! '''HyperAwareness vs. SherlockScan:'''
* HyperAwareness: Capable of observing minor details to everything around you.
* SherlockScan: Observes minor details to make accurate assumptions.

!!! '''{{Hypocrite}}''' vs. '''StrawHypocrite:'''
* {{Hypocrite}}: Often/Always fails to practice what they preach even if they believe in it in principle.
* StrawHypocrite: Doesn't even believe in what it is that they preach about.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:I]]
!!! '''IdiotBall vs. IdiotPlot vs. PlotInducedStupidity''':
* Stupidity for plot's sake...
** IdiotBall: by one character.
** IdiotPlot: by many characters.
** PlotInducedStupidity: because otherwise the plot would end.

!!! '''IgnoreTheFanservice vs. NotDistractedByTheSexy'''
* IgnoreTheFanservice: The character is indifferent to a display of sexiness.
* NotDistractedByTheSexy: No one notices the character's {{stripperiffic}} outfit.

!!! '''{{Immortality}} vs. MadeOfIron vs. NighInvulnerability:'''
* {{Immortality}}: Not dying.
* The character shakes off damage that would kill an ordinary human...
** MadeOfIron: ...because of RuleOfCool and/or CharlesAtlasSuperPower.
** NighInvulnerability: ...because they're no ordinary human.

!!! '''IncrediblyLamePun vs. JustForPun vs. StealthPun'''
* A really bad pun is made...
** IncrediblyLamePun: ...and pointed out as such in the work.
** JustForPun: ...by a Troper trying to be funny.
** StealthPun: ...hopefully you'll notice it. It [[LateToThePunchline might take a while]].

!!! '''IndexSyndrome vs. {{Indexitis}}''':
* IndexSyndrome: Sound like medical conditions.
* {{Indexitis}}: Actually ''are'' medical conditions.

!!! '''InsufferableGenius vs. TooCleverByHalf''':
* InsufferableGenius: Smart and annoying.
* TooCleverByHalf: Smart and annoying and they want to prove it.

!!! '''InstrumentOfMurder vs. MusicalAssassin vs. SenselessViolins:'''
* The weapon...
** InstrumentOfMurder: ...looks like a musical instrument.
** MusicalAssassin: ...is a musical instrument.
** SenselessViolins: ...is in the instrument case.

!!! '''InsultBackfire vs. StealthInsult'''
* The target of the insult...
** InsultBackfire: ...gets it and considers it a compliment.
** StealthInsult: ...doesn't get it.

!!! '''InternetBackdraft vs. FlameBait'''
* Don't bring these up...
** InternetBackdraft: ...or feel the [[FlameWar fiery wrath]].
** FlameBait: ...on our wiki.

!!! '''IntoxicationEnsues vs. MushroomSamba:'''
* Drugs cause...
** IntoxicationEnsues: strange behavior.
** MushroomSamba: wild hallucinations, with logical reactions.

!!! '''{{Invisibility}} vs InvisibleMainCharacter''':
* {{Invisibility}}: Invisibility as a ''reoccuring'' superpower.
* InvisibleMainCharacter: Invisibility as a ''one shot'' situation.

!!! '''IronicEcho vs. MeaningfulEcho'''
* IronicEcho: Repeated for irony.
* MeaningfulEcho: Repeated without irony.

!!! '''IWantMyJetPack vs. MagicFloppyDisk vs. ScienceMarchesOn vs. TechMarchesOn vs. OurGraphicsWillSuckInTheFuture vs. {{Zeerust}} vs. ZeerustCanon:'''
* A futurism failure...
** IWantMyJetPack: ...is noted by a character.
** MagicFloppyDisk: ...is made by this work.
** ScienceMarchesOn: ...is due to contemporary science becoming obsolete.
** TechMarchesOn: ...is due to contemporary technology becoming obsolete.
*** OurGraphicsWillSuckInTheFuture: specifically, computer graphics technology.
** {{Zeerust}}: ...looks dated today.
** ZeerustCanon: ...still looks awesome, let's keep using it.

!!! '''IWillFightSomeMoreForever vs. AttackAttackAttack'''
* "Stop fighting! You can't..."
** IWillFightSomeMoreForever: Win.
** AttackAttackAttack: Survive.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:J]]
!!! '''JumpingTheShark vs. DarthWiki/RuinedFOREVER''':
* JumpingTheShark: Fans realize that moment five seasons ago was when a show started to suck.
* DarthWiki/RuinedFOREVER: Fans claim that moment five ''minutes'' ago is when a show starts to suck.

!!! '''JunkRare vs. PromotionalPowerlessPieceOfGarbage''':
* How did you get your piece of crap?
** JunkRare: At random.
** PromotionalPowerlessPieceOfGarbage: As a special promotion.

!!! '''JustifiedTrope vs. TruthInTelevision:'''
* JustifiedTrope: Trope with a RealLife explanation/justification.
* TruthInTelevision: Trope happens in RealLife.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:K]]
!!! '''[[{{Kawaisa}} Kawaii]] vs. {{Moe}}:'''
* [[{{Kawaisa}} Kawaii]]: Generic cuteness.
* {{Moe}}: Specific targeted cuteness.

!!! '''KickTheDog vs. PokeThePoodle vs. JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope vs. MoralEventHorizon''':
* KickTheDog: Evil for evil's sake, to remind you they're evil.
* PokeThePoodle: Wimpy attempted KickTheDog.
* JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope: Went too far down KnightTemplar street.
* MoralEventHorizon: Something so bad, the audience now wants you dead.

!!! '''KillEmAll vs. RocksFallEveryoneDies:'''
* An abnormally high body count is racked up:
** KillEmAll: ...over the course of a series.
** RocksFallEveryoneDies: ...by the GM.

!!! '''KillItWithFire vs. PlayingWithFire:'''
* KillItWithFire: Fire can take care of any adversary.
* PlayingWithFire: Fire as a superpower.

!!! '''KnightTemplar vs TheKnightsTemplar vs WellIntentionedExtremist:'''
* KnightTemplar: A villain who starts as a good guy and goes too far.
* TheKnightsTemplar: RealLife Crusades-era religious order.
* WellIntentionedExtremist: A villain who starts as a villain but has a good motive.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:L]]
!!! '''LeeroyJenkins vs. SpannerInTheWorks vs. UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom:'''
* Bob ruins...
** SpannerInTheWorks: the BigBad's plan.
** UnwittingInstigatorOfDoom: the protagonists' plan.
** LeeroyJenkins: everything by charging in too early.

!!! '''LivingMacGuffin vs. MacGuffinGirl'''
* Why is the girl so important?
** LivingMacGuffin: They know/possess something of value or are someone generally important
** MacGuffinGirl: They literally ''were'' a MacGuffin, before HumanityEnsues.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:M]]
!!! '''MakingUseOfTheTwin vs. TwinSwitch'''
* One twin stands in for another...
** TwinSwitch: in the show.
** MakingUseOfTheTwin: in the production of the show.

!!! '''{{Manchild}} vs. OneOfTheKids'''
* Bob acts like a child...
** OneOfTheKids: Because he choses to act that way.
** {{Manchild}}: Because he never grew up.

!!!MarySue vs. most of the subtypes
* MarySue: Fan fic character (generally) who is blatant WishFulfillment for the author. SuperTrope for the following:
** AntiSue: Ugly and/or nasty but still a Sue in the plot.
** BlackHoleSue: The entire plot is caught in his/her event horizon.
** CanonSue: ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin; can be any type of Sue.
** CopyCatSue: Specially-tailored ripoff of a canon character.
** FixerSue: Exists to patch up the plot, whether it's needed or not.
** GodModeSue: Overpowered in the extreme.
** JerkSue: Thoroughly nasty to others but always loved by everyone.
** MartyStu: MarySue's SpearCounterpart.
** MarySueClassic: Perfection in everything, and loved by everyone; often a PuritySue. The archetypal Sue character.
** MaryTzu: An unrealistically successful schemer.
** ParodySue: Deliberately mocks the trope.
** PossessionSue: Canon character rewritten to fit the author's ideal.
** PuritySue: A blinding beacon of pureness and positivity.
** RelationshipSue: Exists to create a romance with another character.
** SympatheticSue: Unrealistically angsty and draws sympathy from ''everyone''.
** ThirtySuePileup: Many Sues in one plot.
** VillainSue: Unrealistically over-the-top villainy.

!!! '''MeanwhileInTheFuture vs. PortalToThePast vs. SanDimasTime'''
* If you want to be back within an hour, you can't spend more than 59 min in the past/future.
** PortalToThePast: Justified, the portal can only take you exactly X years forwards/backwards from the moment you step through.
** SanDimasTime: Technically wrong, but the characters never realize it.
** MeanwhileInTheFuture: The same idea applied to the narrative, rather than to the characters.

!!! '''MightyWhitey vs. WhiteMansBurden'''
* A white hero encounters a group of minorities....
** MightyWhitey: The hero joins the tribe and quickly learns to be better than them at everything.
** WhiteMansBurden: The hero sees how pitiful their lives are, then works to make things better for them.

!!! '''MoralDissonance vs. WhatTheHellHero vs. ValuesDissonance:'''
* TheHero is a jerk...
** MoralDissonance: ...but only the audience notices.
** WhatTheHellHero: ...and other characters notice.
** ValuesDissonance: ...but not in his own culture.

!!! '''MoralityChain vs. MoralityPet:'''
* A Jerkass or BloodKnight has someone special to them that...
** MoralityChain: ...keeps them from becoming a CompleteMonster.
** MoralityPet: ...makes them slightly likeable.

!!! '''MorphWeapon vs. ShapeshifterWeapon:'''
* MorphWeapon: The weapon can shift shapes.
* ShapeshifterWeapon: The shapeshifter can form their own weapons.

!!! '''MurderIsTheBestSolution vs. ViolenceIsTheOnlyOption:'''
* The hero resorts to violence because...
** MurderIsTheBestSolution: the hero loves violence.
** ViolenceIsTheOnlyOption: nothing else works.

!!! '''MyNaymeIs vs. SpellMyNameWithAnS:'''
* Character's name is spelled unusually...
** MyNaymeIs: on purpose.
** SpellMyNameWithAnS: because it was translated from a foreign language.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:N]]
!!! '''NarrowParody vs. ShallowParody:'''
* NarrowParody: Parody of really recent things.
* ShallowParody: Superficial parody without real understanding.

!!! '''NazisWithGnarlyWeapons vs. StupidJetpackHitler vs. {{Ghostapo}}'''
* ThoseWackyNazis are armed with:
** NazisWithGnarlyWeapons: Historically accurate weapons
** StupidJetpackHitler: Ray-guns
** {{Ghostapo}}: Supernatural powers

!!! '''NegativeContinuity vs. StatusQuoIsGod:'''
* NegativeContinuity: Ignore changes to the status quo, everything [[SnapBack snaps back]] next episode.
* StatusQuoIsGod: Avoid changing the status quo.

!!! '''NeverGrewUp vs. NotGrowingUpSucks vs. NotAllowedToGrowUp'''
* NeverGrewUp: Chooses not to age
* NotGrowingUpSucks: Cursed not to age
* NotAllowedToGrowUp: Doesn't age because the writers don't want them to.

!!! '''NietzscheWannabe vs. {{Ubermensch}}:'''
* NietzscheWannabe: "Life is meaningless. We're all going to rot, so why not just end it now?"
* {{Ubermensch}}: "I am beyond your petty morality. I seek a higher purpose."

!!! '''NoOneCouldSurviveThat vs. NotQuiteDead vs. StayingAlive:'''
* NoOneCouldSurviveThat: Assumed dead without proof.
* NotQuiteDead: Turns out not to have died.
* StayingAlive: Definitely did die, but now they're back.

!!! '''TheNthDoctor vs. TheOtherDarrin vs. SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute vs. ReplacementScrappy:'''
* TheOtherDarrin: Same character, new actor, ignored in-universe.
* TheNthDoctor: Same character, new actor, explained in-universe.
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: New character, same role/characterizations.
* ReplacementScrappy: New character sucks because he's new.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:O]]
!!! '''OneMarioLimit vs. OneSteveLimit:'''
* No two characters have the same first name...
** OneSteveLimit: for convenience.
** OneMarioLimit: because one is too famous.

!!! '''OneWingedAngel vs. SequentialBoss vs. TurnsRed:'''
* Just when you thought you were winning a BossBattle, the boss...
** SequentialBoss: ...changes form. Begin Round Two!
*** OneWingedAngel: Ditto, into a godlike form.
** TurnsRed: ...becomes more dangerous.

!!! '''OnlyIdiotsMayPass vs. StupidityIsTheOnlyOption vs. ViolationOfCommonSense:'''
* Stupidity is required...
** OnlyIdiotsMayPass: by the player.
** StupidityIsTheOnlyOption: by character, punishments ensue.
** ViolationOfCommonSense: by character, rewards ensue.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:P]]
!!! '''PacifistRun vs. StealthRun''':
* You completed a game without killing enemies...
** PacifistRun: because you only used {{Non Lethal KO}}s.
** StealthRun: because enemies didn't notice you.

!!! '''PaletteSwap vs. UndergroundMonkey'''
* Making a new video game character by:
** PaletteSwap: Changing another character's color scheme.
** UndergroundMonkey: Tweaking another character's name/stats/appearance.

!!! '''PlatonicLifePartners vs. LikeBrotherAndSister vs. BetterAsFriends vs. JustFriends'''
* Two characters are very close friends who...
** PlatonicLifePartners: Have never dated or put serious thought to doing so.
*** LikeBrotherAndSister: ...Because that would just feel weird.
** BetterAsFriends: Have dated in the past, but liked things better as friends.
** JustFriends: Haven't dated, but will.

!!! '''ThePowerOfCheese vs. TooIncompetentToOperateABlanket'''
* ThePowerOfCheese: The people in the ad will do stupid things because the product is just that good.
* TooIncompetentToOperateABlanket: The people in the ad need the product because they are too incompetent to operate a normal, simple tool.

!!! '''PreAssKickingOneLiner vs. PreMortemOneLiner vs. BondOneLiner vs. QuipToBlack''':
* PreAssKickingOneLiner: "I'm gonna kick your ass."
* PreMortemOneLiner: "I'm kicking your ass."
* BondOneLiner: "I kicked your ass."
* QuipToBlack: "Looks like this man... got his ass kicked." (Commercial break)

!!! '''PsychoSupporter vs. {{Yandere}}''':
* PsychoSupporter: Crazy makes you love (or at least follow).
* {{Yandere}}: Love makes you crazy.

!!! '''PsychoticSmirk vs. SlasherSmile''':
* PsychoticSmirk: Small, no teeth, sign of arrogance
* SlasherSmile: Big, shows teeth, sign of insanity / malice

!!! '''PuppyLove vs. ToyShip''':
* Two prepubescent characters are a couple...
** PuppyLove: In {{Canon}}
** ToyShip: In {{Fanon}}
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Q]]
!!! '''TheQuietOne vs. TheVoiceless vs. TheSpeechless vs. SilentBob''':
* TheQuietOne: Rarely talks.
* TheVoiceless: Talks offscreen, never onscreen.
* TheSpeechless: Never talks.
* SilentBob: Never talks, but everyone understands what he's not saying.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:R]]
!!! '''ResetButton vs. {{Snapback}}''':
* Everything is back to normal...
** ResetButton: By the end of the episode.
** {{Snapback}}: By the next episode.

!!! '''RetGone vs. {{Unperson}}:'''
* Someone's existence is erased...
** RetGone: ...from history ''itself''.
** {{Unperson}}: ...from the history ''books''.

!!! '''RomanticTwoGirlFriendship vs. SchoolgirlLesbians''':
* Two girls are close.
** RomanticTwoGirlFriendship: Not actually romantic.
** SchoolgirlLesbians: Romantic.

!!! '''RousingSpeech vs. HesBack vs. HeroicResolve vs. ShutUpHannibal vs. WorldOfCardboardSpeech''':
* RousingSpeech: "Come on everyone, lets go kick some ass!"
* HesBack: "I'm back, now lets go kick some ass!"
* HeroicResolve: "I can't give up, I must kick some ass!"
* ShutUpHannibal: "Shut up villain! I'll kick your ass!"
* WorldOfCardboardSpeech: "Here's why I'm going to kick your ass."
[[/folder]]

[[folder:S]]
!!! '''SchmuckBait vs. PressXToDie''':
* You're playing a video game and an ObviousTrap is sprung.
** SchmuckBait: "My god, you are an idiot!"
** PressXToDie: "My god, ''I'' am an idiot!"

!!! '''SergeantRock vs. TheNeidermeyer vs. DrillSergeantNasty'''
* A man in charge is tough with his men.
** SergeantRock: He's a respected, competent leader.
** TheNeidermeyer: He's a hated, incompetent fool.
** DrillSergeantNasty: He's widely hated but does a great job of training his men.

!!! '''SenselessSacrifice vs. StupidSacrifice''':
* SenselessSacrifice: Sacrifice turns out to be in vain.
* StupidSacrifice: HeroicSacrifice that wasn't the only option.

!!! '''ShaggyDogStory vs. ShootTheShaggyDog'''
* The characters set out on an adventure, and...
** ShaggyDogStory: Accomplish nothing.
** ShootTheShaggyDog: Accomplish less than nothing and die.

!!! '''SortingAlgorithmOfEvil vs. SortingAlgorithmOfVillainThreat''':
* The longer a series goes on, the more _____ the villains get.
** SortingAlgorithmOfEvil: Competent
** SortingAlgorithmOfVillainThreat: Ambitious

!!! '''SortingAlgorithmOfMortality vs. SortingAlgorithmOfDeadness''':
* Charts explaining:
** SortingAlgorithmOfMortality: Chance of dying.
** SortingAlgorithmOfDeadness: Chance of staying dead.

!!! '''StagedShooting vs BaitAndSwitchGunshot'''
* A person gets shot...
** StagedShooting: ...but the whole thing was a setup, and the person was probably part of it all along.
** BaitAndSwitchGunshot: ...but they're someone other than the person with a gun pointed at them.

!!! '''StalkedByTheBell vs. TimedMission''':
* What happens when the timer expires?
** TimedMission: instant GameOver, man.
** StalkedByTheBell: Something in-game starts harassing/attacking you; finish the level or die trying!

!!! '''SubvertedKidsShow vs. WhatDoYouMeanItsNotForKids''':
* SubvertedKidsShow: G-rating characters, R- to X-rated show.
* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotForKids: Mistaken for a kid's show because it's in the AnimationAgeGhetto.
* WhatDoYouMeanItsForKids: Really is a kid's show, but doesn't look like it.

!!! '''SugarAndIcePersonality vs. TinMan'''
* SugarAndIcePersonality: So TheSpock really does have emotions.
* TinMan: Wait! Why did TheMcCoy just claim he has no emotions?

!!! '''SuicideAttack vs. TakingYouWithMe''':
* Alice killed herself and the BigBad at the same time...
** SuicideAttack: ...because it was the only way.
** TakingYouWithMe: ...because she was going to die anyway.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:T]]
!!! '''TagalongKid vs. BrattyHalfPint vs. KidAppealCharacter''':
* The little kid who...
** TagalongKid: follows the team.
** BrattyHalfPint: wants to be on the team.
** KidAppealCharacter: actually '''is''' on the team.

!!! '''ThatOnePuzzle vs. MoonLogicPuzzle vs. GuideDangIt''':
* A videogame puzzle which...
** ThatOnePuzzle: Is unfairly difficult.
** MoonLogicPuzzle: Requires InsaneTrollLogic to solve.
** GuideDangIt: ''Can't'' be solved... unless you bought the Strategy Guide.

!!! '''{{Tomboy}} vs. {{Bokukko}} vs. {{Shorttank}} vs. TheLadette''':
* {{Tomboy}}: SuperTrope, girl who acts like a boy.
** {{Bokukko}}: Uses male language.
** {{Shorttank}}: More boyish than girlish.
** TheLadette: More boyish than many boys.

!!! '''TotallyRadical''' vs. '''{{Buffyspeak}}''' vs. '''JiveTurkey'''
* The slang...
** TotallyRadical: Sounds fake because it's misused.
** {{Buffyspeak}}: Sounds real because it is fake.
** JiveTurkey: Is a character's defining trait.

!!! '''TrainingAccident vs. UnwinnableTrainingSimulation'''
* It's a drill, ...
** TrainingAccident: ...but something goes horribly wrong.
** UnwinnableTrainingSimulation: ...but the cast isn't able to win.

!! '''TwoLinesNoWaiting vs. ThirdLineSomeWaiting vs. FourLinesAllWaiting'''
* In one work, the plot is formed by...
** TwoLinesNoWaiting: Several interconnected plotlines.
** ThirdLineSomeWaiting: Several interconnected plotlines with one that's only significant near the end.
** FourLinesAllWaiting: Several unconnected, alternating plotlines.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:U]]
!!! '''UnexpectedSuccessor vs. YouAreInCommandNow''':
* UnexpectedSuccessor: Your dad died, now you're king until ''you'' die.
* YouAreInCommandNow: Your captain died, now you're filling in until the real replacement gets here.

!!! '''TheUnreveal vs. FanDislikedExplanation vs. VoodooShark'''
* An explanation for a plot point...
** TheUnreveal: Is hinted at, but never shown.
** FanDislikedExplanation: Is unsatisfying to the fanbase.
** VoodooShark: Only generates more questions.

!!! '''{{Unwinnable}} vs. UnwinnableByDesign vs. UnwinnableByMistake vs. EndlessGame''':
* {{Unwinnable}}: It's impossible to complete the game because...
** UnwinnableByDesign: ...you screwed up earlier, and didn't realize why or how until now.
** UnwinnableByMistake: ...the [[GameBreakingBug Dev Team screwed up]].
** EndlessGame: ...the game just continues forever until you die. How far can you get anyway?

!!! '''UrExample vs. TropeMaker vs. TropeCodifier vs. TropeNamer'''
* UrExample: The first example.
* TropeMaker: The first well-known and deliberate example.
* TropeCodifier: The example everyone else copies.
* TropeNamer: Provides the name used [[TVTropes here]]; may or may not be any of the others, or even an example of the trope.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:W]]
!!!'''WastefulWishing''' vs. '''MundaneWish'''
* A character is granted wishes...
** WastefulWishing: And uses them on something stupid.
** MundaneWish: And uses them on something common.

!!! '''WigDressAccent vs. ClarkKenting vs. PaperThinDisguise''':
* WigDressAccent: Basic physical disguise.
* ClarkKenting: Disguise to maintain secret identity.
* PaperThinDisguise: The audience can see through it, but the characters can't.

!!! '''WordOfGod vs. FlipFlopOfGod vs. ShrugOfGod'''
* The answer to the fan's question is...
** WordOfGod: Character X.
** FlipFlopOfGod: Character X. No, it's Y. No, wait....
** ShrugOfGod: ...forty-two?
[[/folder]]

!!! '''CowboyBebopAtHisComputer vs. IAmNotShazam vs. GannonBanned''':

* GannonBanned: Fans react poorly to mistakes, genuine and otherwise.

!!! '''TheUnreveal vs. FanDislikedExplanation vs. VoodooShark''

!!! '''BlackComedy vs. GallowsHumor vs. DeadBabyComedy''':

* DeadBabyComedy: Jokes intended to offend.

* NoInnerFourthWall: [[LastActionHero Jack Slater]] finds out he's a character in a story, but ''the story itself'' is also fictional.

!!! '''TwoLinesNoWaiting vs. ThirdLineSomeWaiting vs. FourLinesAllWaiting'''

** UnderestimatingBadassery: I had fifteen dudes backing me up!

** UnderestimatingBadassery: I thought the fifteen dudes with guns backing me would make up the difference.

!!! '''BullyingADragon vs. MuggingTheMonster'''