The MC has a depressing or traumatic past.
* Again, interesting if done right. Add some spice to the usual "Mom dies" or "gets bullied" tropes. Always see a cliché as a trope you can take, tweak, turn inside out and add to. Maybe the MC having a horrible past is the point of your story, gives them reasons why they commit the actions they do.
If your story features numerous major characters though, I'd recommend giving interesting, complex backstories to more than just your MC though.
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Warriors Cats Clichés
RandomA phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought. So now to make a book about unoriginal thoughts. Makes sense. And note, this isn't meant to embarrass anyone but a "guide". This was planned for fanfics but some might rela...