Note: If you haven’t read my post, What a Memoir Is and What It Isn’t, you might want to read that first.
Memoirs often employ various tropes to engage readers and convey their stories effectively.
Here are some common ones.
You might want to consider one of these if you want to write a memoir but are having trouble figuring out a way to focus your story.
#1. Coming-of-Age Trope
– Focuses on the author’s journey from youth to adulthood.
– Often includes key life lessons and significant events that shaped their identity.
#2. Overcoming Adversity Trope
– Centers on the author’s struggles and triumphs over significant challenges.
– Themes of resilience, strength, and perseverance are prevalent.
#3. Personal Transformation Trope
– Documents a significant change in the author’s life, whether emotional, spiritual, or physical.
– Emphasizes growth and self-discovery.
#4. Cultural Exploration Trope
– Explores the author’s cultural background and heritage.
– May address themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of cultural heritage on personal development.
#5. Trauma and Healing Trope
– Focuses on the author’s experiences with trauma and their journey toward healing.
– Often includes themes of recovery, therapy, and personal growth.
#6. Travel and Adventure Trope
– Centers on the author’s travel experiences and the lessons learned from them.
– May include elements of self-discovery and the impact of different cultures on the author.
#7. Celebrity/Notoriety Trope
– Written by or about a well-known figure, focusing on their rise to fame and personal insights.
– Often includes behind-the-scenes looks at their public and private lives.
#8. Family and Relationships Trope
– Explores the dynamics of the author’s family and significant relationships.
– Often delves into themes of love, conflict, and reconciliation.
#9. Career Journey Trope
– Focuses on the author’s professional life and career milestones.
– May include insights into specific industries, challenges faced, and achievements.
#10. Eccentric or Unique Lifestyles Trope
– Highlights the author’s unconventional way of living or thinking.
– Often includes reflections on how these choices have shaped their life.
#11. Historical Context Trope
– Places the author’s personal story within a broader historical context.
– Often includes significant events and their impact on the author’s life.
#12. Reflection and Wisdom Trope
– Centers on the author’s reflections on life and the wisdom gained from their experiences.
– Often written later in life, providing a retrospective look at their journey.
These tropes can overlap, and many memoirs incorporate multiple elements to tell a compelling and multifaceted story.
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