Stereotypes and Clichés in Romance Literature

Our hero always knows exactly where to touch our heroine to make her see stars, and this A-grade chemistry sweetens the deal.

Romance Literature is a genre that has a reputation for cliché plots and characters.

The Oxford dictionary defines a cliché as “an overused phrase or opinion that betrays a lack of original thought.” 

Despite predictable plots and familiar tropes, romance literature remains one of the biggest literary genres. Its authors continuously publish new stories, and dedicated fans never tire of seeing their favourite elements repeated. The allure lies in the happy endings and the emotional uplift these stories provide.

Romance literature is not written for the cynical, pessimists, and sceptics. And with how these cliches are brazenly repeated, romance lit isn’t romance lit without these stereotypes.

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 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 have been victims of love gone wrong or of no love at all. This could stem from family or past romantic relationships. Wherever the cause, it makes our character doubt whether they are worthy of love and of being loved, and whether they are a potential love interest when the person has done nothing to deserve such mistrust.

Explosive sex

To demonstrate that party A is made for party B, their every sexual encounter sparks. Our hero always knows where 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 there are no such reactions, it’s a sign it’s not meant to be.

Sorry, good luck next time. 

Regardless of this stereotype, you have to give it up for romance authors who create perfect men who are not clueless about how to please a woman; gods could take a cue from them.

Skeletons

Everything seems to be going well, but someone has not dealt with their previous trauma. What is true love if there are no demons to fight? These 21st-century demons could be an unstable ex, an absent dad, or a harrowing experience.

This is where the 2nd party in the relationship shows how much they care and how willing they are to stay and 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

Here, the story concludes: the characters confirm their love through engagement or marriage, leaving the “God when Foundation” members to reflect on their own search for love.

Please drop any more well-loved cliches in the comments. Kamsamida.