As some of you may know, I’m on a journey to write my first-ever novel, which had me thinking about microtropes to incorporate. We are not talking tropes such as enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine, or a slow-burning romance. Nope, we are getting very specific with this list of microtropes that get me every time.
A trope is basically the overall theme or structure of the story, while a microtrope is a specific moment that contributes to the character or the overall story. It doesn’t seem significant, but the story won’t have the same punch without it.
Let me know your favorite microtrope in the comments down below!
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List Of Microtropes That Get Me Every Time
1. One-Bed
We’ll start with an obvious and common one — the one-bed microtrope.
Imagine this, our main characters are forced to spend the night at a motel, or whatever the case might be, and there is only one bed. The male main character (MMC) proceeds to offer to sleep in the chair, but the female main character (FMC) insists the bed is big enough.
Bonus points if the wake-up cuddling.
2. Nightmares
While on the topic of one-bed… Nightmares.
Up the stakes of the one-bed trope with a nightmare. Our MMC or FMC wakes up screaming, and the other one has to calm them down, even better in forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, or arranged marriages.
3. MMC Putting On The FMC’s Seatbelt
I told you we were getting specific!
This gets ten times better when one is angry with the other, or when their love is forbidden. But still, our MMC cares about her safety.
4. “My Wife”
Ugh, this! I am a sucker for a possessive MMC, but there is one scenario in particular when this one hits different.
So, our main characters are in an unwanted arranged marriage. Both probably dislike each other, but then something happens, and our MMC uses the term “my wife”. He acknowledges her for who she is, and he doesn’t even realize it. It usually goes hand-in-hand with the ‘touch her and die’ trope.
5. The F*** It Moment
Tension builds, and the characters have resisted each other for most of the book. Then comes the F*** it moment. They can no longer stay away from each other.
The MMC says, “F*** it,” and finally kisses her. This gets even better when the book switches to his POV at that moment.
6. The Darcy Hand Flex
If you are on BookTok, you will know what I am talking about.
In the 2005 rendition of Pride & Prejudice, Mr. Darcy helps Elizabeth into the carriage. The camera focuses on his flexing hand as he walks away. Indicating the overwhelming and repressed longing Darcy feels after that simple skin-to-skin moment.
7. Pinky Touch
Our characters might be in a secret, forbidden relationship, and their pinkies touch. Like they are exploring the simplest contact.
Bonus swooning points if this happens in public.
8. Who Did This To You
This is when a traumatic past is revealed, and the other character responds with “Who did this to you?”
I will squeal reading this microtrope every time!
It pairs especially well with emotional reads, or enemies-to-lovers/morally grey tropes.
9. Bandaging Wounds
He comes back with battle wounds or something, and she bandages them. C’mon, who doesn’t love the close proximity in this?
Extra points if her hand is trembling, and he has to steady her.
10. The MMC Lean
There is some kind of drug in an MMC leaning against a wall or doorway with crossed arms and ankles. I don’t know what it is, but I’m here for it!
This immediately amplifies if he smirks. I don’t make the rules…
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on the ultimate list of microtropes. Let me know your favorite microtrope in the comments below! And any recs with these tropes would be much appreciated.
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Love, Steph ♥
