Trope Modules

In computer programming, a Module is a combined set of subprograms for use by the same main program, even if written outside of the program. I figured this would be the closest analogy to what I am about to describe.

Ever notice that sometimes, there is a character type (or maybe a setting type or style type) that seems to involve a variety of common tropes? For example, if I were to set up a module to describe a variety of tropes applying to various characters:

Kefka

Joker

Majora

Dementio

All seem to share a lot of tropes.

Each one is considered a Big Bad of the Complete Monster variety. (Kefka is not described as a CM on his character page, but is in the video game CM list.)

If you leave out Majora, they're all described as Ax-Crazy.

If you leave out Dementio, they're all described as Chaotic Evil. (I would not know enough about Dementio to decide whether or not he qualifies.)

If you leave out Majora, they're all described as Evilly Affable, (Joker isn't described as such on his character page, but is as such on the Evilly Affable list)

If you leave out Dementio, they all do their evil deeds For the Evulz. (Again, do not know enough about Dementio to decide whether or not he qualifies.)

If you leave out Majora, they're each considered a Large Ham.

If you leave out Majora, they're each considered a Monster Clown.

Etc... you get the idea. I think further examples of tropes common to them would not be too difficult to find, I just do not feel that compelled to look through all their lists.

The point is, it seems that tropes come in groups, and these 4 villains seem to occupy a set of common tropes, many of which will be found in most of them some in all of them. It's as if a set of tropes applied to them, as though they were a category of characters.

But this itself is just an example... the idea of a module connecting several character tropes, or setting tropes, or style tropes... whatever the subject is. What do you think of the concept?

edited 21st Nov '10 9:22:05 AM by neoYTPism

Seems fine to me.

might get a little messy though since there are already supposed to be archetype tropes, on the other hand we have pages for characters that show up in different mediums like The Joker.

Joker may show up in a lot of mediums, but the point of this particular module (or maybe a character-related module could be called a character archetype) is about how Joker, along with other similar enough villains share a variety of tropes with him.

perhaps I did not express myself correctly, I agree that Trope Modules could be useful you'd just need something to differentiate them from Archetypal Characters.