TVTropes Now available in the app store!
Open

Follow TV Tropes

Following

Is this an example?

Go To

Do you have trouble remembering the difference between Deathbringer the Adorable and Fluffy the Terrible?

Do you have trouble recognizing when you've written a Zero-Context Example?

Not sure if you really have a Badass Bookworm or just a guy who likes to read?

Well, this is the thread for you. We're here to help you will all the finer points of example writing. If you have any questions, we can answer them. Don't be afraid. We don't bite. We all just want to make the wiki a better place for everyone.


Useful Tips:

  • Make sure that the example makes sense to both people who don't know the work AND don't know the trope.
    • Wrong: The Mentor: Kevin is this to Bob in the first episode.
    • Right: The Mentor: Kevin takes Bob under his wing in the first episode and teaches him the ropes of being a were-chinchilla.
  • Never just put the trope title and leave it at that.
    • Wrong: Badass Adorable
    • Right: Badass Adorable: Xavier, the group's cute little mascot, defeats three raging elephants with both hands tied behind his back using only an uncooked spaghetti noodle.
  • When is normally far less important than How.
    • Wrong: Big Bad: Of the first season.
    • Right: Big Bad: The heroes have to defeat the Mushroom Man lest the entirety of Candy Land's caramel supply be turned into fungus.
  • A character name is not an explanation.


Other Resources:


For best results, please include why you think an example is iffy in your first post.

Also, many oft-misused tropes/topics have their own threads, such as Surprisingly Realistic Outcome (here) and Fan-Preferred Couple (here). Tropers are better able to give feedback on examples you bring up to specific threads. We don't discuss Complete Monster or Magnificent Bastard examples; please don't bring them up.

Edited by SeptimusHeap on Jul 17th 2025 at 8:59:01 PM

Master-Geass Since: Feb, 2021
#32751: Sep 16th 2024 at 5:43:35 PM

[up]I agree that simply being played by a Jewish actress doesn't qualify. Nothing about Lydia said Jewish to me, though I am the type to overlook minor things about a character. Regardless, that isn't an example and if they want to keep it they need to cite something she does or says.

Check out Bunny Girl Evolution
Nen_desharu Nintendo Fanatic Extraordinaire from Greater Smash Bros. Universe or Toronto Since: Aug, 2020 Relationship Status: Who needs love when you have waffles?
Nintendo Fanatic Extraordinaire
#32752: Sep 16th 2024 at 7:05:58 PM

From the Western Animation folder of Fleeting Demographic Rule:

I am unsure if this counts given that The Simpsons and Futurama do not have a fleeting demographic.

Edited by Nen_desharu on Sep 16th 2024 at 10:07:31 AM

Kirby is awesome.
CanuckMcDuck1 PEPSIMAN from Japan Since: Sep, 2023 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
PEPSIMAN
#32753: Sep 16th 2024 at 7:36:21 PM

[up]Those are two separate shows and writing teams, and as the example mentions, they’re nineteen years apart. This seem less like a fleeting demographic and more just two people thinking of the same idea in a different way. That can easily be cut for misuse.

Do not mess with creatures which you do not understand.
AdelePotter susie. from the worst timeline Since: Aug, 2010 Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
susie.
#32754: Sep 16th 2024 at 8:47:55 PM

Trying to avert an editing war by getting thread consensus. This example is currently under Cady for the Mean Girls character page:

  • Protagonist-Centered Morality: Viewers are expected to be on Cady's side as she extracts revenge on Regina for taking away the boy who she liked. Never mind that the boy was Regina's ex, or that Cady was asked by Gretchen not to pursue him out of respect, or that he barely knows that Cady is even alive.

As you can see in the edit history here on the grounds that Cady and Aaron were already friends, and Cady only pursued Aaron after Regina told her it was okay, only for Regina to then backstab her. It was then put back because Cady "should've known better." This ignores the fact that Cady was homeschooled up until that year and thus wouldn't know, and, again, Regina said it was fine. Am I good to remove it again?

I've been here too long. Regretting choosing this screenname half my life ago.
Psychopompos007 (Long Runner) Relationship Status: Having tea with Cthulhu
#32755: Sep 17th 2024 at 2:51:02 AM

[up][up][up] The sequel film strongly imply the Deetz are catholic, which would actually make her character unambiguisly non-Jewish.

Edited by Psychopompos007 on Sep 17th 2024 at 11:55:05 AM

Someone1981 Since: Aug, 2022
#32756: Sep 17th 2024 at 3:46:55 AM

Can a radar display/airplane failing to attract attention to a specific detail which is a potential emergency, out of a wealth of details which are too much information for a human being to handle, be an example of Poor Communication Kills? (The lack of noticing this for a significant time period resulted in 154 deaths.) If not, what trope would be good for this?

Edited by Someone1981 on Sep 17th 2024 at 1:48:57 PM

Amonimus the "Retromancer" from <<|Wiki Talk|>> (Sergeant) Relationship Status: In another castle
the "Retromancer"
#32757: Sep 17th 2024 at 3:48:35 AM

Poor Communication Kills is drama between characters, so no. For looking up another one use Trope Finder.

TroperWall / WikiMagic Cleanup
Someone1981 Since: Aug, 2022
#32758: Sep 17th 2024 at 3:52:08 AM

Considering that this got no replies in 48 hours, I doubt I'll get help on this one over there.

Amonimus the "Retromancer" from <<|Wiki Talk|>> (Sergeant) Relationship Status: In another castle
the "Retromancer"
#32759: Sep 17th 2024 at 3:59:10 AM

If nobody replies it means either nobody (who got to read) knows or we just don't have a fitting trope. You can comment with "bump" once so the question would appear as recent for extra chances.

TroperWall / WikiMagic Cleanup
Tycoonninja Since: May, 2023
#32760: Sep 17th 2024 at 4:14:27 PM

I have a question in RWBY Jaune is revealed to be The Rusted Knight from the story the girl who fell through the world, and in volume 9 the story turn out to be real and because of time travel Jaune become part of the story.

so I wonder if this counts as Canon Character All Along.

Edited by Tycoonninja on Sep 17th 2024 at 6:20:57 AM

FlamingLaevatein Since: Jun, 2019
#32761: Sep 18th 2024 at 3:07:18 AM

I was thinking of adding the In Name Only trope to the character page for Annette in Castlevania: Nocturne as aside from her name any similarities to the game version of Annette instead goes to the character Tera, however Netflix's Annette is a lightning rod for controversy. Would this count or would it be more of a YMMV trope, and if it does count what would be a good way of addressing the trope with the Rule of Cautious Editing Judgment in mind?

Zanreo Gizmondo from Glitch City (Ten years in the joint) Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
Gizmondo
#32762: Sep 18th 2024 at 5:46:57 AM

Just remembered I brought up this example a while back in another thread but never got an answer, so: what's the scope of "unfortunate" in Unfortunate Character Design? Does it have to be (accidentally) inappropriate/offensive in some way (sexual, racist, gross, ect.) or would just looking like something else (making it unintentionally silly ect.) be enough? (to quote Laconic, "The character design looks... problematic") Because the Pokemon subpage has this example:

  • Gholdengo, with its yellow-colored body and four dangling tufts of "hair", looks like a giant string cheese snack to some.

Which looks silly in a (presumably) unintentional way, yes, but "unfortunate" by the trope's definition? Similarly, there's also the Hydrapple manbun example.

My favorite failed console tbh
Mariofan99 Since: Jun, 2021 Relationship Status: Chocolate!
#32763: Sep 18th 2024 at 7:47:14 AM

[up] cut

I've wondered how the Iconic Sequel Character trope works in conjunction with a Sequel Series. Is a character still valid for an ISC entry if they made their debut within the sequel's first season? I'm asking since Ben 10 has MULTIPLE sequel shows and some of its most prevalent characters are introduced within the first seasons of their shows. Let's use the first sequel show Alien Force as an example

—-

If the answer is no, then how do we handle the differences between Production Seasons and Broadcast Seasons? The first 26 episodes of Alien Force were made as a single 26-episode season, but Cartoon Network chose to split in half for broadcasting, labeling the latter 13 episodes as "Season 2". It's pertinent to make a declaration as Albedo made his debut in the second half of Season 1, what Cartoon Network marketed as Season 2.

Edited by Mariofan99 on Sep 18th 2024 at 10:50:04 AM

BlackFaithStar [Hiatus til March] from 🇲🇾 (UTC plus 8) (Less Newbie) Relationship Status: Longing for my OTP
[Hiatus til March]
#32764: Sep 18th 2024 at 8:00:07 AM

So there's an Arc Symbol example that I'm doubtful of it being applicable because the symbol is a logo that is only relevant to the organisation the protagonist works in and has no other meaning besides that. (The work is Agent Ali but I cleaned up the grammar on this)

  • Arc Symbol: The logo of M.A.T.A., the organisation the agents work for, has appeared many times, such as when Ali is called by his superiors for a mission. In Season 1, it's seen in the holographic illustration of a mission's description. In Seasons 2 and 3, the logo appears in greater quantity as a part of M.A.T.A.'s HQ building.

When you're alone I'm reaching out to let you know that you're far from strangers, like the savior
BigJimbo Since: Dec, 2017
#32765: Sep 18th 2024 at 10:03:51 AM

There's an entry in DarkReprise.Animated Films that I need to question:

  • "The Bare Necessities (Reprise)" from The Jungle Book. It's sung by Baloo and Bagheera as the two both walk off into the sunset after Mowgli bids them both farewell and heads back to the Man-village. Earlier in the film, there is another dark reprise of "The Bare Necessities". Mowgli sings it before Baloo reluctantly attempts to take him to the Man-village.
First of all, the former "Bare Necessities" reprise is conveyed in a way that makes me doubt that it truly qualifies as a dark one; Bagheera and Baloo are both happy, and the music is also happy. I know it's kind of a Bittersweet Ending given Mowgli leaving the jungle, but it feels like saying the "Circle of Life" reprise in The Lion King (1994) is a dark one just because Mufasa was alive when the song was first sung and he's dead by the reprise. As for the second, despite it also being sung in a happy manner, I think it could count because of the Oblivious Guilt Slinging factor (Mowgli anticipating a day of fun with Baloo as the bear can only listen in guilt at having to take him to the man village). Any thoughts?

BlackFaithStar [Hiatus til March] from 🇲🇾 (UTC plus 8) (Less Newbie) Relationship Status: Longing for my OTP
[Hiatus til March]
#32766: Sep 18th 2024 at 10:16:51 AM

[up]Yeah the one at the ending doesn't come off as sad to me either (so I say that's a shoehorn). I don't recall the 2nd moment that well but I figure your reasoning is sound.

When you're alone I'm reaching out to let you know that you're far from strangers, like the savior
Bullman Enid Sinclair Since: Jun, 2018 Relationship Status: Longing for my OTP
Enid Sinclair
#32767: Sep 18th 2024 at 10:56:03 AM

I found this He Really Can Act entry on YMMV.Deadpool And Wolverine:

  • Hugh Jackman once again proves his acting chops and seals his legacy as the actor for Wolverine when he calls out Deadpool for his behavior for most of the movie. The venom in his words to Wade is very palpable and he just sells how livid he is with him in that moment, given how Wade had flat-out lied (or rather, made an educated wish) to him in order to get him onboard with his plan to save his world.

No one I have seen online ever doubted Hugh Jackman's acting abilites before the film released or even afterwards.

Edited by Bullman on Sep 18th 2024 at 12:56:17 PM

Fan-Preferred Couple cleanup thread
DanteVin The Time Has Come from Somewhere Since: Jul, 2016 Relationship Status: Singularity
#32768: Sep 18th 2024 at 11:00:07 AM

Do initials count for Singer Namedrop examples? I mean, if the singer mentions their initials only and not their whole name in their song's lyrics?

With Great Power, Comes Great Motivation
dcutter2 Since: Sep, 2013
#32769: Sep 18th 2024 at 11:37:41 AM

[up][up] That's just gushing to me.

The other entry:

  • Part of the reason that Cassandra Nova is considered a highlight of the film is Emma Corrin's stellar performance as the character, especially for their first time ever playing a villain, with their ability to swap between being extremely funny to utterly horrifying, or, in some scenes, both at the same time, being praised by many.

I don't think is much better, Corrin's an actor.

The description says "his is what you say to yourself when a comedic performer, a non-acting entertainer, or somebody more known for athleticism or looks than in-depth acting ability gets cast in a challenging dramatic role,"

An talented actor doing a different kind of acting for the first time doesn't really count.

gjjones Musician/Composer from South Wales, New York Since: Jul, 2016
Musician/Composer
#32770: Sep 18th 2024 at 12:20:12 PM

Considering the fact that both Atsuko "Nuku Nuku" Natsume from All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku and Lime from Saber Marionette J are androids voiced by Megumi Hayashibara, does this fit under Actor Allusion or Casting Gag?

He/His/Him. No matter who you are, always Be Yourself.
Bullman Enid Sinclair Since: Jun, 2018 Relationship Status: Longing for my OTP
CanuckMcDuck1 PEPSIMAN from Japan Since: Sep, 2023 Relationship Status: You cannot grasp the true form
PEPSIMAN
#32772: Sep 18th 2024 at 12:48:18 PM

[up]Probably. He Really Can Act is usually used for actors who aren't taken seriously. But given the acclaim Jackman has already gotten for Wolverine, on top of the rest of his career, it’s inaccurate. Corrin is more unknown than disliked as an actor, so she doesn't fit into the reaction either. It can easily be cut as misuse.

[up][up]I’d say it's neither. Unless there’s a specific reference or allusion to Nuku Nuku in Saber Marionette J, I’d say it wouldn’t count. Given how many roles Megumi Hayashibara has played, including other android characters, it would need to be more specific.


Zanreo: I always assumed Unfortunate Character Design to be the former definition (which is shown off in it’s page image and most of the examples on-page). I think in Gholdengo’s case, it’s not supposed to look serious and the fact it looks like a cheese string doesn’t take away from the character. Same for Hydrapple, and it’s more intentional in that case too. Meanwhile, someone like (to pick another Pokemon character) Jinx is permanently tied due to how the character looks like a blackface routine, making it off-putting and problematic. Both of those instances, and maybe any Pokemon entries where they’re critiqued solely for just looking a little silly can be cut.

BlackFaithStar: Showing the organization a character works for isn’t exactly Arc Symbol, especially if it has no other meaning. It’s not used for a story arc, since they are the main organization in the series. The logo doesn’t look like another object or thing either. It could be cut.

BigJimbo: I’d consider it misuse, since the rendition isn't at all morbid or even sad, and despite the ending's bittersweet nature, Mowgli heading to the man-village is portrayed as a good and best option for him.

Edited by CanuckMcDuck1 on Sep 18th 2024 at 2:32:43 AM

Do not mess with creatures which you do not understand.
ToonAbby Have a Death-End Thanksgiving, y'all! from Gamindustri Since: Jan, 2022 Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
Have a Death-End Thanksgiving, y'all!
#32773: Sep 18th 2024 at 1:17:51 PM

From SquarePegRoundTrope.A To D

  • Denser and Wackier is about a crazier Tone Shift in a single work (such as a series getting crazier in its second season than its first), meaning examples that involve spin-offs or reboots that are crazier from the get-go do not count.

Considering that Tone Shift and all of its sub-tropes extend to even Derivative Works, limiting examples of DAW to just the work's original source seems unfair. Like say, if an adaptation, spin-off or even Fan Work is tonally wackier than it's down-to-earth source material, does that still count as an example of Denser and Wackier? Plus, the page image for DAW displays two different iterations of Spider-Man, neither of which are connected with one another.

"It's requested that your death ends here, now!" - Sayaka, Death end re;Quest Code Z.
AegisP Kindhearted SSSSSNAKE Man Since: Oct, 2014 Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
Kindhearted SSSSSNAKE Man
#32774: Sep 18th 2024 at 3:32:43 PM

[up] Yeah, that's misuse in a page meant to prevent it ironically enough.

As long as this flower is in my heart. My Strength will flow without end.
king15 Have Faun Since: Mar, 2024
Have Faun
#32775: Sep 19th 2024 at 2:30:58 AM

[up][up][up][up][up][up]I've seen it used multiple times for an actor who, otherwise well-regarded, takes on a very different type of role and does very well. For example, Meryl Streep of all people has an entry under He Really Can Act for She-Devil (bearing in mind this came out after Sophie's Choice) because it was her first major comedic role. For Corrin especially, due to them being a (comparitvely) newer actor and this being their first time playing this sort of villain, I can see why this might be a He Really Can Act, despite them already being acclaimed in The Crown. However, given the description of the trope, it does feel like these sort of examples are misuse, so while I'd like them to count, they probably don't. Still, that's a conversation for elsewhere (whether to broaden He Really Can Act or not). Still, Corrin is a bit of a grey area, but Jackman is a definite remove.


Total posts: 36,649
Top