While I don't believe that tropes are inherently a bad thing (they're writing tools; whether they're good or bad depends [i]entirely[/i] on how the writer handles them, just like everything else), I'll avoid going into this in any major detail since it's not the point of the thread.

However, I will say one thing concerning tropes; me and [@tsukune] are currently in the process of collaborating on a series of articles concerning what me and him believe to be a lot of mistakes and misconceptions that [i]many[/i] contemporary writers/role-players (and critics) are falling into concerning things such as "clichés", "tropes", and "stereotypes". We're nowhere near at the point where there's anything to show yet but I recommend you check it out when the time comes, [@HaleyTheRandom], especially since I believe some of the criticisms you're being given are inevitably rooted in this problem; it happens all the time.

Concerning some of the topics you mentioned, I recommend you start by looking over [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/151005-writing-mental-disorders/ooc]these[/url] [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/152118-how-do-you-write-what-a-character-feels-after-killing-someone-for-the-fir/ooc]three[/url] [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/153641-christianity-in-rp/ooc]threads[/url] as an opening point. Admittedly I'm plugging links to threads that I've already given feedback for (multiple times), but in order to avoid creating a needlessly long post repeating myself I think they're a good place for you to look. They certainly aren't going to give you all of the research you need by any stretch of the imagination, nor will they touch on every topic you want to write, but they're a good example. From that point onward, you should do as was previously suggested and research as much as possible, but not just to satisfy these people criticising you; do it for [i]yourself[/i]. There's nothing more satisfying for a writer/role-player in my opinion than increasing the depth of their insight and enriching their work for their own sake and no one else's.

If you ever have questions concerning how to write a certain type of perspective you might be unfamiliar with, feel free to hit me up with a PM whenever you like; I'm always happy to share some of my own thoughts on these sort of issues and help writers continue to build their potential and talent. I'm confident that if it's a topic I have any experience with I'll be able to help you, and even if it isn't then I'd welcome the chance to possibly learn something new and share it with you. I have a few topics of my own that I find uncomfortable to work with, but these are mostly a matter of preference and chances are they won't be something you ask me about.

As for the people who're simply criticising you because they don't like the sort of character you're trying to write; there is no shortage of superficial people out there who like to bitch about characters with tragic backstories, "edgy" personalities/plotlines, or touchy themes (and they will bitch no matter how well-written they are), so trust me when I tell you that you're not alone in this problem at all. I've actually seen whole role-playing websites be ruined by these types of people; in fact I was arguably [i]responsible[/i] for one of these forums dying since I won't tolerate such people (not to mention they were also doing it to feel superior and compensate for their own weaknesses). I'll tell you the exact same advice that you gave me in the hang-out thread when it comes to these types of people (especially since it's how I feel about everyone who decides to be stupid enough to look down on me or my friends); "fuck 'em".