User:Krayfish/Favorite cliches

Some cliches I am not terribly fond of, but others I will never absolutely get tired of. Below is a list of my favorite cliches. Keep in mind that although I like these cliches, it's all about the execution.

Grey vs. Grey/Grey vs. Black Morality
I absolutely enjoy stories that set it up so that the reader does not know right away which side will win. Of course, it's not the only kind of conflict I like which is why I'm also including Grey vs. Black Morality as well. I am fond of well-done villainous characters with a complex personality - which is usually not possible in a grey vs. grey conflict.

In general, having some shades of grey adds to the complexity of characters and is overall more realistic than a standard white vs. black conflict.

Dystopias
Dystopias, if done correctly, are well designed systems that serve as cautionary tales. What I like about dystopias is that it gives the writer the opportunity to take apart the standard conventions, rip them to its core and provide an opportunity for something new. It is likely just my personal taste, but I enjoy worlds with a dark edge to them contrasted by a nearby "normal" world. It makes people think harder about idealism vs. realism.

Common sense characters
The smartest characters are usually my favorite. I am not referring to characters to happen to know a lot. I'm talking about those that can conjure up witty statements very frequently as well as make logical decisions based on common sense, one of the most cherished things to have in a story. Every story should have at least one of these characters in my opinion. If it's the villain, then the story (if executed correctly) is almost guaranteed to become one of my instant favorites.

Mainstream knowledge on the paranormal (or whatever oddities in your constructed world)
I don't have anything against stories where paranormal events are virtually unknown to the public. It's fairly understandable as it's much the same way in real life. But what I do very much enjoy is when everyone knows about the paranormal. Why do I like this cliche? Simply because it opens up a lot of opportunities to be clever with your writing. Say if telekinesis was known to everyone, imagine all the practical applications that could be done with it.