Requested by: everlastinqg

While I've gone over cliches you should avoid, I haven't gone over cliches that are okay, or rather, when you can use cliches. So, les go.

The cliche you use and when is very dependent on the fandom, and the character you're writing the redemption for. It's also how you've written things.

Honestly, instinct is the biggest part. If you're struggling to decide if the villain should redeem themselves or be just pure evil, go with your gut, or flip a coin. If you don't want to leave things up to fate, look at their past actions and the characters they're surrounded by. Would those characters forgive them? Are they worthy of being forgiven? 

If the two main characters break up, what led to that point? Are they likely to argue like that again? What type of people are they? What are their support systems?

In general, any cliche can work as long as you use it right. If it advances the plot in the correct direction and you can use it to enhance the story more than the other option, then do that. Don't just use it for shock value or because it's what is easy. Writing isn't easy, it isn't supposed to be. Don't ruin your story because having the villain stay evil is easier than dedicating a few chapters to their redemption arc.

The biggest deciding factors are what I've listed above. If you consider those things, then you should be able to get a pretty good idea of what direction you want the story to go in.

Requests are open and so is asking questions!

~Lydia