More romantic tropes? More romantic tropes! This time, I’m going back to the ones I like.
And how about starting at the beginning, with love at first sight?
Sure, in real life it might be more like like at first sight or lust at first sight, but in books it works! (Unless the whole point of the story is to defy the convention, but that’s a whole other matter.) There’s just something incredibly romantic about it. Think about Sleepless in Seattle. Oof. (I know, I know, I should be referring to books but, with that example, can you blame me?)
On the kind of opposite end of the spectrum are wrong first impressions, and Jane Austen couldn’t have done it better. There’s a reason Pride and Prejudice is what it is, and that place in literature and culture is entirely deserved. Of course, there are countless stories with this trope (including I Will Survive), and it’s understandable why that is. It allows for characters to interact and grow through those interactions, and it gives them the chance to do some introspection, something that can be pretty great. (Bonus points if there’s a letter involved to set the record straight.)
And another trope I like is the wounded hero and the caretaker heroine. Yes, it may be in plenty of stories, but there’s a reason for that—it works! What I like about it is that it usually leads to a place of vulnerability for male characters and it forces them to be honest and to talk. Or even better, listen. I don’t love guys who don’t talk (unless they’re writing letters to make up for it), and these stories usually have an intimate setting that gives place to more openness and honesty. It’s not my favorite trope, and it’s been a bit overdone, but sometimes (Sophie and Benedict Bridgerton), I feel it just works.
A trope I like if done in a natural or logical way is the wager. You know: the guy bets he’ll get or somehow change the girl. While I could refer to serious examples, nothing will ever beat Not Another Teen Movie for the collective parodies and the excellent rendition of “Janie’s Got a Gun”.
And last for today but not least, no matter what setting, masquerades (although they especially work in historical novels). There’s something exhilarating about hiding one’s status and being able to be as free as can be—something that can be doubly entertaining if done while wearing a gorgeous Venetian mask. And then you get to figure out who the stranger you fell for is. Bonus points if it’s the person who’s your rival.
So, what’s your take on these tropes? Yes, no, or a mix?
