Tropes I Don't Like

Forced Romance

Not every story requires a romance.
Some stories are focused more on setting. While others may be focused on different relationships between characters. No matter the case, a romance isn't always needed to write a good story.

So why do authors force romance into their works?

I think it boils down to what people think sells well. Businesses involving mediums of entertainment are looking for what will give them the most money, and that isn't an entirely bad thing. A romance subplot is something that they occasionally look for, especially if it is between male and female main characters.

As much as I, and other people passionate about storytelling, dislike this trope (and other tropes in general), we do buy in to the system by buying what it is they want to sell.

• • •

Back to the subject of forced romances in particular. To a person reading a story, it is not hard to tell when the author is trying to force the romance. The romance may connect to previously mentioned tropes like insta-love and/or the love triangle. It is usually an attempt to create a connection between the characters, but the trope fails to create that connection is a believable, well-executes way.

Think about it in real life. Most people will not force a romantic relationship, though there are some exceptions. A genuine, romantic relationship takes time to develop and not just in the matter of days, weeks, or even months. Romance in books, movies, TV, etc. can be well done. To do that, it should demonstrate the real process it takes for a romantic relationship to form.

If romance isn't what someone is looking to create in a story, there are plenty of other options at building connections between characters. An obvious example is friendship, or platonic love. Not every relationship requires physical/sexual interactions, and a friendship shows that.

Another example is the relationship between siblings and parents, both of which can have very rocky experiences. Despite the up-and-downs relationships that come with family, a good sibling or parent loves unconditionally. It is these relationships that I want to see more of in entertainment.

If a story doesn't need the romance, simply don't put it in. It will annoy people who want the intended story to be told. Instead, use alternative character connections to build relationships.

Not every male and female together is automatically in a romantic relationship. There can be platonic love between a male and female 😱.

I really hope that I can dig deep to find more stories that deal with either underrepresented relationships or romantic relationships portrayed in a realistic way, they are definitely out there.