In Japanese detective fiction, a recurring trope is the detective with a troubled past. This past often drives their motivation to solve crimes. For instance, many detectives might have witnessed a crime in their childhood that made them dedicated to justice. Additionally, the trope of the unexpected culprit is common. It's not always the most obvious suspect, and the revelation at the end can be quite shocking. And there's often a strong emphasis on the psychological aspects of the characters, both the criminal and the detective, which helps in understanding the motives behind the crimes.
Well, the unreliable narrator can be a trope in detective fiction. Sometimes the person telling the story might be hiding something or be mistaken, which adds an extra layer of mystery. Then there's the idea of the detective having a sidekick, like Watson to Holmes. This sidekick often serves as the normal person through whose eyes we can better understand the detective's extraordinary abilities. And the use of forensic evidence, which has become more and more prominent over the years, is also a trope.
Early Japanese detective fiction often had tropes borrowed from Western detective stories, like the classic detective figure. But over time, they became more unique. For example, the focus on the cultural and social aspects of Japan started to be more prominent. The use of Japanese folklore and superstitions in creating mysteries is a new development. In the past, the settings were more urban - cities like Tokyo. Now, rural areas are also explored more, bringing in different types of tropes related to village life and traditions.
One common trope is the bumbling detective who always seems to get into comical situations while on the case. For example, they might accidentally spill coffee on important evidence but still manage to solve the mystery in the end. Another is the overly obvious red herring, like a character who acts really suspicious but is just a distraction from the real culprit.
The main characteristic is its diverse range of sub - genres. There is the traditional hard - boiled detective style, where the detective is a tough - minded investigator. Then there are psychological detective fictions that delve deep into the minds of the characters. In addition, Japanese detective fiction often incorporates elements of Japanese culture, such as the importance of honor and family. This cultural infusion gives it a unique flavor compared to detective fictions from other countries.
One common trope is the 'Costume Porn', where the detailed and accurate period costumes are a major draw. For example, in shows like 'Downton Abbey', the elaborate dresses and suits add to the authenticity and visual appeal. Another is the 'Fish out of Water' trope, like a modern - minded character being thrust into a historical setting and having to adapt. This can create interesting character arcs and comedic or dramatic situations.
Well, from the 'list of tropes in fiction', 'Redemption Arc' is quite prevalent. A character who has done wrong in the past tries to make amends. 'The Mentor' trope is also common. An older, wiser character guides the protagonist. Then there's the 'False Protagonist' trope. It tricks the audience into thinking a certain character is the main hero when in fact it's someone else.
Japanese detective fiction often has complex and intricate plots. For example, in many works like those of Keigo Higashino, the story unfolds layer by layer, with multiple twists and turns.
One common trope is the hard - boiled detective. This type of character is often cynical, world - weary, and tough. For example, Sam Spade in 'The Maltese Falcon'. Another trope is the locked - room mystery, where a crime occurs in a seemingly impossible - to - enter or - exit location. Also, the femme fatale is a popular trope. She is a seductive woman who often leads the male protagonist into danger or is involved in the crime in some way.
Well, one of the often - seen tropes is the 'Enemies to Lovers' trope. In this, two characters who initially dislike or are at odds with each other gradually fall in love. Another is the 'Time - Travel' trope, where characters go back or forward in time, changing the course of the story. And then there's the 'Hidden Identity' trope, where a character has a secret identity that others in the story don't know about at first.
One common trope in Pulp Fiction is the non - linear narrative. It jumps around in time, which keeps the audience on their toes. Another is the use of vivid and eccentric characters. For example, Jules Winnfield with his philosophical yet violent nature. Also, the film has the trope of the unexpected twists and turns in the plot, like the whole situation with the briefcase which is full of mystery.