For those who do not know, the word “trope” has come to refer to a commonly recurring device used in storytelling. This could be a theme, a type of character, a situation, etc. that has been overdone to the extent that we’ve come to recognize them almost as soon as we see them—and we very often roll our eyes once we do. Some traditional examples could be the princess being rescued by a prince, “insta-love,” and happily ever afters. More current tropes include the “Chosen One” story, love triangles, and redeemed villains.
Take one of these common tropes and subvert it. Maybe this time the princess rescues herself from the tower / evil sorcerer / dragon. Or perhaps the “Chosen One” was switched at birth with the real Chosen One, and everyone is confused as to why their prophesied hero is constantly tripping over their own feet and running away from danger. Have fun with this one, and create something new and unexpected in the process!