Romance Literature is a genre that has a reputation for cliché plots and characters. The Oxford dictionary defines a cliché as a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.
Romance literature is one of the biggest literature genres despite its predictable plots, and its authors never run out of stories to print. Fans of this genre are never bored of the same storyline. They love the happy endings and crave the endorphins the stories give them.
Romance literature is not written for the cynical, pessimists, and skeptics. And with how these cliches are brazenly repeated, romance lit is not romance lit if these stereotypes aren’t there.
Disbelief
The idea that the most eligible bachelor could be attracted to the heroine is unbelievable to either one of the parties or third parties. There’s always disbelief when it is discovered that there is, or was romance going on between the main characters. Either because one of the parties is high on the social ladder or because there’s beef(i.e. mutual dislike).
Denial
One or both of our main characters has been a victim of love gone wrong or no love at all. This could stem from family or past romantic relationships. Wherever it stems from, it makes our character doubt if they are worthy of loving and being loved and doubt their potential love interest when the person has done nothing to deserve such mistrust.
Fireworks sex
To demonstrate that party A is made for party B, their every sexual encounter has sparks going off. Our hero always knows where exactly to touch our heroine to make her see stars. There are always mind-blowing orgasms, and this grade A chemistry sweetens the deal.
Apparently in the world of romance literature, this is proof that you are meant to be. If you do not get such reactions, it’s a sign you’re not made for each other.
Sorry, good luck with your next time.
Regardless of this stereotype, you have to give it up for romance authors that create the perfect men who are not clueless when it comes to pleasing a woman; gods could take cues from them.
Skeletons
Everything seems to be going well, but someone has not dealt with their previous trauma. What is true love if they are no demons to fight? And with no dragons to slay, the 21st-century demons are ghosts from the past. It could be an unstable ex, an absent dad, or trauma.
This is where the 2nd party in the relationship shows how much they care and are willing to stay to fight. Their ability to help their partner heal is the final seal or proof that they are meant to be.
And They Live Happily Ever After
This is where the story ends. The lovers seal their love with an engagement or marriage while we readers are left to wonder if we will ever find love.
Did I miss any? Drop some in the comments.
Kamsamida
