The theory of gravitation was first proposed by Sir Isaac Newton in the late 17th century. Before then, the idea that things fell when dropped was known, but the mechanism for it was not. After the publication of the Principia Mathematica, it has been featured somewhat sporadically in media. This index lists all the various ways that the topic appears, whether serious or silly, wrong or right. Many of these will overlap with Artistic License – Physics.
Please note that "things fall when dropped" falls under Like Reality, Unless Noted.
Tropes about gravity:
- All Gravity Is the Same
When multiple planets in a science fiction setting have vastly different masses and diameters, yet characters and objects move as if they were on a single planet the whole time. - Artificial Gravity
When Applied Phlebotinum can turn gravity on or off at a whim. Anti-Gravity redirects here. - Centrifugal Gravity
When gravity is simulated by putting things on the inner surface of a rotating object. - Gravity Is a Harsh Mistress
AKA Cartoon Gravity, this is gravity played for Rule of Funny. - Gravity Is Only a Theory
When gravity, like pi and evolution, is considered a legislative or philosophical matter rather than a scientific one. - Gravity Is Purple
Gravity visually depicted in pretty purple colors. - Gravity Master
A character whose superpower is to control gravity. - Gravity Screw
When gravity pulls in a nonstandard direction. - Gravity Sucks
A spacecraft that deactivates its propulsion system will be immediately pulled toward the nearest gravity source. - Improvised Microgravity Maneuvering
- No Gravity for You
Placing someone in zero gravity as a means of negating their combat abilities. - Powered by a Black Hole
Harnessing a black hole to generate energy. - Selective Gravity
In Video Games, gravity only affects specific objects, while others just float unsupported. - Unrealistic Black Hole
When Hollywood screws up the thing with the most gravity of all. - Variable Terminal Velocity
When the velocity at which things fall seems determined by the plot and not by physics.
Tropes with gravity in the name, but otherwise not about gravity:
- Edge Gravity
When game mechanics prevent characters from falling off the edge of cliffs or platforms. - Gravity Is a Harsh Seamstress
When you fall through a clothesline, you end up wearing whatever is on it.
