List of cozy fantasy novel tropes

What are tropes?

Tropes are common themes, plot devices or motifs. In other words, they are common scenarios and patterns that often take place in a novel of a particular genre. Novels don’t need to have all these tropes to be considered a cozy fantasy, but you’ll notice when reading cozy fantasy novels that these tropes may turn up time and time again. For example, a common trope in cozy fantasy novels is when a celebrity fakes a relationship for publicity.

Here is a list of cozy fantasy tropes to use as inspiration in your own novel.

List of cozy fantasy tropes

Job tropes

• Travelling merchant

• Tea shop owner

• Disgraced magician

• Witches and wizards

• Crafter

• Healer

• Town council

• Beekeeper

• Gardener

• Retired hero or adventurer

Location tropes

• Taverns

• Inns

• Tea houses

• Bakeries

• Quiet villages

• Craft shops

• Libraries

• Potion shops

• Cafe

Relationship tropes

• Found family

• Unexpected friends

• Dragons

• Gargoyles

• The villain is just lonely!

• Village comes together

• Raising an orphaned or lost child

• Bonding over tea

• Grumpy/sunshine

Plot tropes

• Magician gives up power to start their dream

• Cursed object needs to be returned, but it likes its new owner!

• Reluctant hero doesn't want to be a hero. They want to nap (relatable!)

• Keeping magic under wraps in a non-magical village

• An accidental curse wrecks (minor) havoc in town

• An annual festival or competition brings out the competitive side of local villagers

• Talking animals

• Seasonal magic

• An unexpected career change gives a villain a second chance at life

• The local book club solves the town's mysteries

All the best with your cozy fantasy novel! If you're not ready to go back to writing and feel you need more procrastination – I mean, planning – time, why don't you look at my developmental editing services or free writing advice?