Most people would love to have a do-over at some point in their lives. The time loop trope is one way to experience it in fiction. This is a great trope if you enjoy writing stores with a strong focus on character development.
What is a time loop?
Among the different versions of the time loop trope, the one seen in Groundhog Day is probably the most well-known. Here, characters are stuck in a repeating period until they address a problem in their lives and undergo some personal growth. It’s a simple yet engaging take on the concept. One of the earliest times this trope was used was in the 1965 Japanese science fiction novel The Girl Who Leapt Through Time by Yasutaka Tsutsui. Since then it’s appeared in countless movies, novels, and TV series.
Here are some examples:
- Feel Good to Die: webtoon and K-drama
- Groundhog Day: movie
- In a Holidaze: romance novel
- Happy Death Day: movie
- Russian Doll: TV series
- A week of Mondays: YA novel
- Palm Springs: movie
The loop
In this type of story, the character strives to break free from the time loop rather than uncovering its origin. Readers understand that finding an exit matters more than a clear answer due to the trope’s familiarity.
For resetting the loop, each repetition kicks in when the protagonist dies, feels stressed, or falls asleep, adding unpredictability and challenges. While control is limited, there are moments when choosing to intentionally end the day becomes an option.
As the protagonist tackles major issues and gains self-awareness, the trope naturally concludes. No detailed explanations are needed; readers accept the resolution without questioning. The story ends as the character’s journey aligns with the time loop’s conclusion, providing a satisfying end without unnecessary details.
Characters
Time loop narratives are most effective when the protagonist possesses flaws. This trope extends beyond problem-solving, emphasizing character growth as a central theme.
You can read more about flawed protagonists by following the link.
This doesn’t mean that your protagonist has to be a terrible person; they could be someone easily manipulated or lacking in confidence. The time loop provides them an opportunity for learning and improvement, even if they may initially resist.
In the movie Edge of Tomorrow, the main character, Cage, begins the story as a coward who does his best to avoid combat. The time loop allows him to undergo significant growth, eventually saving the world from alien invaders. While your character doesn’t need to transform into a super-soldier, consider what you want them to achieve and the person you want them to become by the novel’s end.
Setting
Invest time in developing your setting, as it remains consistent throughout the story. Even if your character travels, the loop’s reset brings them back to the starting point. Unless the loop spans an extended period, their range of movement is limited.
There are a couple of ways to introduce your protagonist’s world to readers. The first involves a pre-loop setup, showcasing them dealing with various problems and interacting with characters who will reappear in later versions of the same day.
The second approach involves introducing your character within the ongoing time loop, a technique employed in the movie Palm Springs. At the start of the film, Nyles has already spent a significant amount of time reliving the same day and possesses foreknowledge of events.
Regardless of the version you choose, ensure there’s ample variety so readers don’t feel trapped in a loop, experiencing the same events repeatedly. Introduce new characters and events with each loop reset, and have your protagonist explore different solutions to their problems—especially the central one of how to break free from the time loop.
Conclusion
The appeal of the time loop trope is because it allows readers to share in the protagonist’s experience of a do-over. Not only do they witness a flawed character navigating and evolving through problem-solving, but by the story’s conclusion, the individual they initially encountered has grown into a much-improved version, ready to face the world..
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