The power of friendship is a

trope Trope or tropes may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Trope (cinema), a cinematic convention for conveying a concept * Trope (literature), a figure of speech or common literary device * Trope (music), any of a variety of different things in medi ...

used in

fiction Fiction is any creative work, chiefly any narrative work, portraying character (arts), individuals, events, or setting (narrative), places that are imagination, imaginary or in ways that are imaginary. Fictional portrayals are thus inconsistent ...

to emphasize the importance of

friendships Friendship is a relationship of mutual affection between people. It is a stronger form of interpersonal bond than an "acquaintance" or an "association", such as a classmate, neighbor, coworker, or colleague. Although there are many forms of f ...

. Its usage generally involves a group of friends pulling through a conflict through their shared bond. The power of friendship appears in multiple media, including My Little Pony and Lego Friends. The power of friendship is a prevalent narrative trope in

television Television (TV) is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. Additionally, the term can refer to a physical television set rather than the medium of transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertising, ...

and other storytelling mediums, highlighting the transformative and redemptive potential of deep, interpersonal bonds. Central to this trope is the theme that the camaraderie, loyalty, and emotional support among friends can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, catalyze personal growth, and foster collective strength. Frequently featured in genres such as

fantasy Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that involves supernatural or Magic (supernatural), magical elements, often including Fictional universe, imaginary places and Legendary creature, creatures. The genre's roots lie in oral traditions, ...

adventure An adventure is an exciting experience or undertaking that is typically bold, sometimes risky. Adventures may be activities with danger such as traveling, exploring, skydiving, mountain climbing, scuba diving, river rafting, or other extreme spo ...

, and

drama Drama is the specific Mode (literature), mode of fiction Mimesis, represented in performance: a Play (theatre), play, opera, mime, ballet, etc., performed in a theatre, or on Radio drama, radio or television.Elam (1980, 98). Considered as a g ...

, this motif serves as a poignant reminder of the intrinsic value of human connections. The trope often manifests through plotlines where protagonists, despite individual limitations, achieve remarkable feats by relying on their friends, or 'power'. Additionally,

antagonist An antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the main enemy or rival of the protagonist and is often depicted as a villain.character development, resolve conflicts, drive plot progression, and evoke strong emotional reactions from audiences. This trope often conveys universal themes of love, loyalty, and solidarity, emphasizing the importance of human connections and the strength that comes from unity. Additionally, friendships provide humor and lighthearted moments, serving as

comic relief Comic Relief is a British charity, founded in 1986 by the comedy scriptwriter Richard Curtis and comedian Sir Lenny Henry in response to the 1983–1985 famine in Ethiopia. The concept of Comic Relief was to get British comedians to make t ...

and endearing characters to the audience. The trope can also contrast the benefits of friendship with the consequences of isolation, symbolizing larger societal or philosophical concepts and adding depth to the narrative. By incorporating the Power of Friendship, creators can craft compelling and emotionally resonant stories that celebrate the significance of human connections.

Usage in media

* Rhino the hamster, from the Disney animated film, ''Bolt'' fully believed in the power of friendship * In the title of Lego Friends: The Power of Friendship * Used in My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, friendship is a magical force that is central to the plot * In Grey's Anatomy the relationships among the doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital highlight how friendships can help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges, fostering resilience and growth, otherwise, a power that is used to pull through

References

{{Reflist Friendship Tropes