Is this story idea cliche?

Question

I'm writing a fantasy novel targeted at a young adult audience about the son of a wealthy nobleman who runs away from home to help fight a plague going through the country.
The fantasy world in question has no magic and is technologically analogous to late 18th century-early 19th century earth.  I'm specifically wondering if it would be cliche to use a wolf as the country's national icon, the animal that appears on its flag.  Game of Thrones used a white wolf for one of the families, and If I use a wolf I'm afraid I will look like I'm copying another story.  Since my universe is completely different do you think audiences will feel the wolf as being cliche?

Sandstone · Accepted Answer

There's an old joke that there are only 7 plots in all of literature; for example: Boy gets girl; boy loses girl; boy gets girl back.  So, technically, all story ideas are cliches.  If your world is different from the Game of Thrones world, then why would anyone assume there was a connection?  I doubt that many people are assuming there's a connection between G of T and the Three Little Pigs, even though both have wolves.

Linda · Answer

I think that you could use the idea inspite of your reservations.  If the wolf has been used often then you might find a different animal or element that would bring the same result.
I personally like the idea of the wolf that appears on their flag. Its not cliche.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes. You need something more edgy. Forget the game of thrones aspect. If any part of your story reminds you of something already created, forget it. 3 things and your story will be great: shrek, shamoo, and elmo. Hope everything works out.

Declan · Answer

No. Keep on writing!

Chrishawn · Answer

Have robots and stuff then it would be different

Ferdinand · Answer

Winter is coming...

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Is this story idea cliche?

6 Answers