Tuesday Tropes: Speak Of The Devil

There's an old saying: if you speak of the devil, he will appear. Such is the common phrase when someone arrives and the people there were just talking about him. But what if speaking someone's name has more draw and power, or gathers their attention from miles away? In this case, you have a trope on your hands.

Speak of the Devil - Often a villainous trope, is the act of someone saying the villain's name, resulting in that villain appearing, becoming aware, gaining power, or causing something bad to happen. Because of the danger this trope possesses, characters grant this villain a nickname.

This is usually a high fantasy trope, a ploy used to make the reader aware that this baddie is powerful and not to be messed with. That or because of fear, characters refuse to speak his name because of superstition (like having your ears burn if people speak about you).

Even if you're careful and stick to You Know Who, you may wind up getting close to them anyway - too close!

"The b-b-back of my head is s-s-so itchy!"

It might be okay to say their name once. Maybe twice. But three times? *shiver* I won't be held responsible!

"I could go for some 'Beetlejuice' about now!"

Perhaps the villain is so evil that his name should be avoided altogether, even if nothing comes of it.

Gandalf: *points to the awaiting council*
"Let's see how many nicknames they come up with."

Elrond: *snickers* "You're on!"

Other good examples of this trope can be found in The Wheel of Time, The Belgariad, Turn Coat, and The Empire of the East. While a valuable trope for striking fear in the heart of your characters (and audience), Speak of the Devil can have many variations and subtleties. A name might cause someone good to appear, too. It all depends on how you use it.

Have you used this trope before? Was it dramatic or subtle? Is there a name you avoid saying?

I'm David, and whatever you do, don't say ...