Clichés

From UnknowableWiki

Clichés are situations, characterisations, events and expressions commonly found in stories and fanfiction. Most clichés, regardless of how effective they may seem in a given plotline or sentence, have been used far too many times to inspire any emotion other than annoyance or exasperation.

Several maddeningly recurring clichés in fanfiction have shaped the much-dreaded Mary Sue. She is the perfect, irresistible genius for whom the Trio or the Marauders all fall; she's the mysterious and deadly beautiful American transfer student who, in the end, is actually an emo cutter who wants Harry's love; she's the quiet, ugly social reject who somehow becomes an Animagus and has her animal shape be a unicorn.

For examples regarding a certain character or ship, go to the corresponding article (e.g. for L/J fanon commonplaces, go to Lily/James).