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

selkies TOO serious! from Guess, guess, guess Since: Jan, 2021 Relationship Status: Star-crossed
TOO serious!
#24751: Dec 24th 2022 at 11:33:52 PM

Soy Valdo 7, No, it's not magical. Why does it particularly have to be magical? There's an example of cards in general being used for communication on the trope page.


[up][up] It depends, is the character poor and just simply wants a higher social status, or are they obsessed with luxury and living like rich people? If it's the latter, then it's greed.

Uncanny Valley Hot Babes in Your Area Are Looking To Know YOU! Click Here to Sign Up for FREE! | Not quite back tbh. Don't expect much.
SoyValdo7 I mainly fix indentation issues from La tierra de lagos y volcanes Since: Sep, 2022 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
I mainly fix indentation issues
#24752: Dec 25th 2022 at 12:26:23 AM

[up] Well, since you say they're tarot cards, I assumed there was some magic involved. But never mind, from what you tell me, it looks like it could work. What do you have in mind?

Valdo
Usterman Since: Dec, 2022
#24753: Dec 25th 2022 at 9:01:43 AM

Can the "Humans Are Bastards" and "Humans Are Morons" tropes play together or not? And why?

Amonimus the "Retromancer" from <<|Wiki Talk|>> (Sergeant) Relationship Status: In another castle
the "Retromancer"
#24754: Dec 25th 2022 at 9:03:48 AM

They can apply together because I don't see why wouldn't they, they describe different aspects.

TroperWall / WikiMagic Cleanup
Usterman Since: Dec, 2022
#24755: Dec 25th 2022 at 9:06:31 AM

Good evening, Amonimus. It's just how it works: half of the people are stupid, half are jerks or villains.

Edited by Usterman on Dec 25th 2022 at 9:07:06 AM

Amonimus the "Retromancer" from <<|Wiki Talk|>> (Sergeant) Relationship Status: In another castle
the "Retromancer"
#24756: Dec 25th 2022 at 9:11:51 AM

They can overlap, why not. Do you have a specific example in mind or...?


SPY×FAMILY, Donovan Desmond:
  • Big Bad: Being the primary target of Operation Strix, becoming close to him is Twilight's ultimate goal. However, he does point out that killing him is not the end goal of the operation, as it would be much easier to arrange than Twilight's fake family mission. Instead, Twilight must become socially accepted by Desmond's inner circle without arousing suspicion, in order for the next phase of the operation to proceed, with the final goal being to achieve lasting peace between their countries. It's worth noting that Desmond hasn't actually done anything overtly evil thus far, fitting with his reclusive nature and difficult-to-discern intentions, so whether or not he's even a villain or a Well-Intentioned Extremist is something both Twilight and the reader are unaware of.
If Donovan Desmond wasn't behind any incidents and isn't even an antagonist (so far), he may be a person of interest but can't be the Big Bad?

Edited by Amonimus on Dec 25th 2022 at 8:16:16 PM

TroperWall / WikiMagic Cleanup
BigBadShadow25 With my last breath, I curse Zoidberg. from Basement at the Alamo (Experienced, Not Yet Jaded) Relationship Status: Desperate
With my last breath, I curse Zoidberg.
#24757: Dec 25th 2022 at 10:11:06 AM

So Phil Lord has declared WesternAnimation.Spider Man Into The Spider Verse a Christmas movie on Twitter. Should we add it to the Christmas Movie index?

Edited by BigBadShadow25 on Dec 25th 2022 at 1:11:16 PM

You’re Gonna Carry That Weight.
SoyValdo7 I mainly fix indentation issues from La tierra de lagos y volcanes Since: Sep, 2022 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
I mainly fix indentation issues
#24758: Dec 25th 2022 at 10:37:31 AM

[up][up] I agree. For Donovan to be the Big Bad, The Reveal would need to happen, which hasn't happened yet, so I think it can be cut.

[up] It's Die Hard also listed in Christmas Movie index?

Edited by SoyValdo7 on Dec 25th 2022 at 12:37:46 PM

Valdo
selkies TOO serious! from Guess, guess, guess Since: Jan, 2021 Relationship Status: Star-crossed
TOO serious!
#24759: Dec 25th 2022 at 10:44:23 AM

Soy Valdo 7, An example I haven't added yet to Big Mouth (2022). The protagonist communicates with a mysterious character called "Big Mouse" through tarot cards in prison.

Uncanny Valley Hot Babes in Your Area Are Looking To Know YOU! Click Here to Sign Up for FREE! | Not quite back tbh. Don't expect much.
Wyldchyld (Old as dirt)
#24760: Dec 25th 2022 at 11:07:20 AM

This has been added to the WhamLine.Web Animation page. It's actually been removed from the page once before in 2018 for being Wham misuse. Can I remove it again?

  • RWBY: In Uncovered, the team has asked Jinn what Ozpin is hiding from them. In response, she begins telling them a story.
    Jinn: Once upon a time, there stood a lonely tower that sheltered a lonely girl. [A beautiful young woman is shown] Named...Salem.

Reason for misuse: This is a Cliffhanger, where the episode ends as soon as Jinn makes that statement. The statement itself doesn't change the direction of the scene, the episode or the show. The episode (and the entire previous volume) has been building up the increasing mistrust the heroes have towards the Big Good's secret-keeping, the episode has been building up to the confrontation, and the genie has been summoned specifically to reveal what he's hiding. The "beautiful young woman" has even been shown in the intro sequence (gazing at a statue of the Big Good) for two episodes, so her identity had already been predicted by a lot of fans before this episode even aired. I think it can be salvaged as a Cliffhanger example. It might also be a Shocking Moments example? (Although plenty of fans predicted it, Jinn's identity reveal did shock others.)

Edited by Wyldchyld on Dec 25th 2022 at 7:17:48 PM

If my post doesn't mention a giant flying sperm whale with oversized teeth and lionfish fins for flippers, it just isn't worth reading.
LordGro (Old as dirt)
#24761: Dec 25th 2022 at 11:07:29 AM

There is a disagreement on Carmilla over the following example:

  • Aristocrats Are Evil: Downplayed with Laura's father and his associates. They aren't outright villainous, nor are they aristocrats themselves, but while they're nominally sympathetic to the "illness" sweeping through the local peasantry, they aren't actually concerned about it until Carmilla's predations start showing their effects on the daughters of landed men.
There was already some exchange about the example taking place, first in edit reasons when I deleted a previous version (here) and when the original contributor rewrote it to its current form (here), then on the discussion page. The short version is that I think any example of Aristocrats Are Evil beginning with "[Characters] aren't villainous, nor are they aristocrats, but" is misuse, even as a Downplayed Trope.

I have pm'ed the original contributor about the discussion I openend on the discussion page, but they have not come back, and only one other troper has replied. If one or two more voices would weigh in, that'd be great.

Edited by LordGro on Dec 25th 2022 at 8:08:04 PM

SoyValdo7 I mainly fix indentation issues from La tierra de lagos y volcanes Since: Sep, 2022 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
I mainly fix indentation issues
#24762: Dec 25th 2022 at 11:59:37 AM

[up][up][up] So the main character in Big Mouth (2022) just gets the tarot card? Does he send it too? Do they have something written on it, or is it just a tarot card? This all sounds similar to Mysterious Note.

[up][up] I agree, but I don't think Cliffhanger or Shocking Moments would work as substitutes.

[up] I agree with everything you say. Gnome Titan is right, for Aristocrats Are Evil the characters have to at least be Affably Evil, and these aren't even come close. This also seems like an Edit War, better report on Ask the tropers and see what they say about it.

Edited by SoyValdo7 on Dec 25th 2022 at 2:21:35 PM

Valdo
gjjones Musician/Composer from South Wales, New York Since: Jul, 2016
Musician/Composer
#24763: Dec 25th 2022 at 12:25:45 PM

Reposting from the previous page so it doesn't get lost.

From Shido's section in Characters.Date A Live Main Character And Spirits:

  • Arch-Enemy:
    • Kurumi is his most reoccurring foe outside of Wescott and D.E.M., though their relationship isn't one fueled by hatred. At first, Shido's understandably afraid of her since she wants to kill him and take his spirit power, and witnessed firsthand just how far she'll go to accomplish that goal. But as the story goes on and Shido learns more about Kurumi and realizes she isn't the psychopathic monster he thought she was, he becomes more motivated to save her like he did with the other spirits.
    • All of the problems in Shido's and his friends' lives can be traced back to the series' Big Bad, Isaac Wescott. The more Shido learns about Wescott's plans as the story goes on, the more determined he is to stop him.

Do these count as examples?

He/His/Him. No matter who you are, always Be Yourself.
SoyValdo7 I mainly fix indentation issues from La tierra de lagos y volcanes Since: Sep, 2022 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
I mainly fix indentation issues
#24764: Dec 25th 2022 at 12:38:05 PM

At first glean, it seems fine. What appears to be the problem?

Valdo
nrjxll Since: Nov, 2010 Relationship Status: Not war
#24765: Dec 25th 2022 at 1:15:10 PM

[up]Well, one thing that makes me obviously suspicious is that, as it describes, Wescott is the Big Bad and everybody's enemy - that doesn't necessarily imply the personal one-on-one relationship that Arch-Enemy normally involves.

Edited by nrjxll on Dec 25th 2022 at 3:15:19 AM

Dghcrh You can't escape this monster from Small country that looks like a fish Since: Dec, 2016 Relationship Status: Shipping fictional characters
You can't escape this monster
#24766: Dec 25th 2022 at 1:32:47 PM

Does Awesome McCoolname, which was recently made In-Universe Examples Only apply when a character's name is described as "nice" or "beautiful"?

I'm mainly a fan of underrated media.
Wyldchyld (Old as dirt)
#24767: Dec 25th 2022 at 5:07:49 PM

I agree, but I don't think Cliffhanger or Shocking Moments would work as substitutes.

Okay, shall I just remove it?

If my post doesn't mention a giant flying sperm whale with oversized teeth and lionfish fins for flippers, it just isn't worth reading.
SoyValdo7 I mainly fix indentation issues from La tierra de lagos y volcanes Since: Sep, 2022 Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
I mainly fix indentation issues
#24768: Dec 25th 2022 at 5:36:18 PM

[up] Yes, but I would wait to see what other people have to say.

Valdo
Wyldchyld (Old as dirt)
#24769: Dec 25th 2022 at 5:40:22 PM

No problem, further feedback is always welcome.

If my post doesn't mention a giant flying sperm whale with oversized teeth and lionfish fins for flippers, it just isn't worth reading.
selkies TOO serious! from Guess, guess, guess Since: Jan, 2021 Relationship Status: Star-crossed
TOO serious!
#24770: Dec 25th 2022 at 6:39:04 PM

Soy Valdo 7, "Big Mouse" sends them to the protagonist, but the protagonist sends a message written on a paper to "Big Mouse." It's not a one-time thing, nor it's done by a random, minor character like Mysterious Note suggests. I'm leaning toward adding it the more I discuss it with you.

Uncanny Valley Hot Babes in Your Area Are Looking To Know YOU! Click Here to Sign Up for FREE! | Not quite back tbh. Don't expect much.
Ayumi-chan 3rd happiest man in Connecticut from Iacon City (Experienced Trainee) Relationship Status: I like big bots and I can not lie
3rd happiest man in Connecticut
#24771: Dec 25th 2022 at 7:06:47 PM

Found this in Tivia.Ys IX Monstrum Nox

  • Sequel Gap: When placed within the narrative's chronological order, then it's ten years between Ys SEVEN and Ys IX.

Does Sequel Gap count if its like that (for reference, The Ys series games are typically told is non-chronological order (per here)?

She/Her | Currently cleaning: N/A
BlackFaithStar [Hiatus til March] from 🇲🇾 (UTC plus 8) (Less Newbie) Relationship Status: Longing for my OTP
[Hiatus til March]
#24772: Dec 25th 2022 at 7:14:31 PM

I'm wondering whether this example of mine would fit He Who Fights Monsters, Became Their Own Antithesis, or something else.

  • BoBoiBoy: The Movie: In the exclusive prologue for the comic version of the film, the Kubulus species lived peacefully on planet Ata Ta Tiga before invaders attacked them for their advanced technology. The Kubulus invented Power Spheras to protect themselves, and succeeded in eliminating their enemies. However, after they recovered, the Kubulus became greedy and reprogrammed Power Spheras for destruction and conquest of other planets. The first Power Sphera, Klamkabot, uses his teleportation powers to send away the Power Spheras and the Floating Island containing the factory in which they were made.

Edit: Here's the prologue comic if you'd like to check it out for yourself.

Edited by BlackFaithStar on Dec 26th 2022 at 2:16:32 AM

When you're alone I'm reaching out to let you know that you're far from strangers, like the savior
wingedcatgirl mys. minty from the silly dimension from lurking (Holding A Herring) Relationship Status: Oh my word! I'm gay!
mys. minty from the silly dimension
#24773: Dec 25th 2022 at 8:34:29 PM

Are we sleep-deprived or is this example text clearly not talking about the trope?

Suddenly I'm... still rotating Fallen London in my mind even though I've stopped actively playing it.
ForgoLight The Ultimate Lifeform Since: Oct, 2022 Relationship Status: In Lesbians with you
The Ultimate Lifeform
#24774: Dec 25th 2022 at 8:43:26 PM

[up]I'm... not even sure what that is saying. All I see in that "example" is a mass of ill-defined and vague word salad. (Not unlike most of Miraculous, but that's my opinion) Definite cut I would say.

Edited by ForgoLight on Dec 25th 2022 at 8:43:55 AM

"Us weirdos have to stick together!"
CompletelyNormalGuy Am I a weirdo? from a place where folks put cream cheese on hot dogs (Oldest One in the Book)
Am I a weirdo?
#24775: Dec 25th 2022 at 9:56:28 PM

[up][up]Just cut it. Even if it did actually describe the trope, Examples Are Not General.

Edited by CompletelyNormalGuy on Dec 25th 2022 at 9:56:47 AM

Bigotry will NEVER be welcome on TV Tropes.

Total posts: 36,649
Top