For me I love it when rivals or enemies and heroes have to work together to obtain a mutual gain. Another one I love is when heroes have a "dark side" or when they show a bit of an evil streak to them. Examples of that would be Harry Potter using the Unforgivable Curses. Or any such case of a hero acting maliciously. They're still representing the greater good, but in a dark way.
If anyone could supply me more examples of those two examples, I would appreciate that.. Otherwise tell me what your favorite "cliches" are.
I"m not even sure I really mean cliches... Plot points maybe? Common plot twists? Whatever. Hopefully you understand what I mean.
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~Halo Now darkness takes you... forever.