Shoujo anime is a beloved genre that features a range of popular tropes. These tropes keep viewers coming back for more, as they add excitement, drama, and romance to the storyline. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the top TV tropes in shoujo anime, as well as examples of anime that use each trope.
1. Love Triangles
Love triangles are a common trope in shoujo anime, and they typically involve two male characters vying for the affection of a female protagonist. This often creates a dramatic and engaging storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Some popular anime that use this trope include:
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Fruits Basket: This anime follows the story of Tohru Honda, a high school girl who becomes entangled in a love triangle with two members of the Soma family, Yuki and Kyo.
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Ouran High School Host Club: This anime features a female protagonist named Haruhi who becomes the center of attention for a group of wealthy and attractive male students. Two of the boys, Tamaki and Hikaru, begin to develop feelings for her, leading to a love triangle.
2. Childhood Friends
The childhood friend trope is another common feature of shoujo anime. This character is often a male who has known the female protagonist since they were young, and may harbor secret feelings for her. Some popular anime that use this trope include:
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Kimi ni Todoke: This anime follows the story of Sawako, a shy and introverted high school student who is reunited with her childhood friend, Shota. Shota begins to develop romantic feelings for Sawako, but she is initially oblivious to his affection.
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Nisekoi: This anime follows the story of Raku Ichijo, a high school student who made a promise to marry his childhood friend, but can't remember who she is. He becomes entangled in a love triangle with two other girls, Chitoge and Onodera, while trying to uncover the identity of his childhood friend.
3. Reverse Harem
The reverse harem trope is a popular feature of shoujo anime, and it involves a female protagonist being surrounded by a group of attractive male characters who are all vying for her attention. Some popular anime that use this trope include:
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Kamisama Kiss: This anime follows the story of Nanami, a high school student who becomes a god after saving a mysterious man. She is surrounded by a group of supernatural male characters, including the mysterious Tomoe, who all develop feelings for her.
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Uta no Prince-sama: This anime follows the story of Haruka, a girl who attends a school for aspiring idols. She is surrounded by a group of male students, all of whom have their own unique personalities and talents.
4. Rich Boy/Poor Girl
The rich boy/poor girl trope is a classic in shoujo anime. This trope typically involves a wealthy male character who falls in love with a girl from a lower social class. Some popular anime that use this trope include:
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Maid Sama!: This anime follows the story of Misaki, a high school student who works part-time at a maid cafe to support her family. She catches the attention of Takumi, a wealthy and popular boy at her school, who begins to develop feelings for her.
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Hana Yori Dango: This anime follows the story of Tsukushi, a working-class girl who attends a school for the wealthy elite. She becomes entangled in a love triangle with two of the school's most popular boys, including the arrogant and wealthy Tsukasa.
5. Student-Teacher Romance
The student-teacher romance trope is a controversial one in shoujo anime, but it remains a popular feature nonetheless. This trope typically involves a romantic relationship between a student and a teacher, which can create a forbidden and dramatic storyline. Some popular anime that use this trope include:
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Kodocha: This anime follows the story of Sana, a child actress who begins to develop feelings for her eccentric homeroom teacher, Mr. Hayama.
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Cardcaptor Sakura: This anime features a mild example of the student-teacher romance trope, as Sakura has a crush on her older brother's friend and teacher, Yukito.
In conclusion, shoujo anime is known for its use of popular tropes that add excitement, drama, and romance to the storyline. Whether you're a fan of love triangles, childhood friends, or reverse harems, there is sure to be an anime that appeals to your interests.
