Here in the office, we live and breathe romance. It’s not our only focus but it’s one of the more popular ones we work with. And romance is woven into most, if not all, stories in some way, shape, or form.
Today, we want to highlight some tropes in romance. Some common, some not.
Do you have a favorite trope?
- Redemption
One character has wronged another. This can include wronging not just another character but something else (ex. a group of individuals, a law, etc.) This character must redeem themselves in the story…or try to. Will it succeed? That’s up to you, the writer!
- Forbidden Love
Obstacles such as culture, family, social class or friendships keep the pairing apart. But nothing ever does keep two true lovers apart! The real question becomes: does it end on a good note? Do we smell an HEA or a tear-jerker?
- Amnesia
A near-tragic event forces one character to forget their past and who they are. Don’t forget to research the type of head injury and amnesia you want your character to cope with to avoid generalizing your story. The story itself revolves around how they move forward and adapt to their “new” life. Will they remember who they were? Or…not?
- Secret/Lost Heir
One of the two main characters is heir to a fortune. If they know about it or not is entirely up to you.
- Orphan
Someone is an orphan. The situation matters, too. Did they grow up in the foster system? Or did the parents pass and distant family take them in? It all affects the story and how it unfolds!
Hello HR,
Great tools. Good character depth is so important to any story. I like the character as the underdog finding their way.
Thanks,
Gary