Romance Tropes

Bad Boy/ Good Girl

One of the most enduring tropes in romance is the “Bad boy/ Good girl” trope. Why? Because we romanticise “saving” a person, or a man wanting to change for a woman. The tension and the excitement is electric when a “good girl” catches the attention of a “bad boy”. The story is extremely satisfying when he falls hard and becomes a better person for her. A decent “bad boy/ good girl” plot typically has a healthy dose of groveling from the man. 

Enemies to Lovers

Arguably one of the most compelling romance tropes, “Enemies to Lovers” sees two people who dislike (sometimes outright hate) each other thrown together in situations where a mutual attraction slowly blooms. It can range from lighthearted rivalries to deep-seated intense hatred stemming from past offenses. Yet, they all ultimately develop into passionate romances and then true love. Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

Fake Dating

This is a popular trope that’s used to drive romance narratives forward, especially when there's a need to throw the main characters together. They could be friends pretending to be lovers in front of family, or two rivals acting out a false romance to make someone jealous. Whatever the scenario, pretending to be in a romantic relationship always ends in real feelings blooming. 

Forbidden Love

“Forbidden Love” trope is defined by obstacles - such as societal norms, family feuds, and so on - preventing the main characters from being together. The “we shouldn’t” is fueled by unbending rules, like taboo age-gap romances, or brother’s best friend. The trope thrives on elements like high tension, secrecy, angst, and intense pining. When the characters feel - “if it’s so wrong, why does it feel so right?” - readers feel it right alongside them. 

Forced Proximity

Imagine two people who’re internally denying their growing mutual attraction and desperately trying to remain “just friends”... what if these people were trapped in a confined space together? The “Forced Proximity” trope is a commonly used plot device in romances where there’s some push and pull, some palpable tension between the main characters. 

Friends to Lovers

This trope makes for the sweetest romances and deepest connections. It’s a popular narrative device for romance stories where one of the main characters will either secretly love and yearn for their friend, or both friends are clueless about the depth of their feelings for each other. Often slow burns, these romances emphasise safety, loyalty, emotional intimacy, and shared history. Like Colin and Penelope in ‘Romancing Mr. Bridgerton’. 

Grumpy/ Sunshine

One is a huge frowny grump; the other a smiling bit of sunshine. When they meet, sparks fly like crazy! The classic “opposites attract” trope, but specifically related to the main characters’ dispositions, “Grumpy/ Sunshine” makes for wonderfully compelling stories because these personalities balance each other well.

Opposites Attract

This is a classic romance trope and a pretty popular storytelling device where two protagonists with contrasting personalities, backgrounds, or values fall in love. The core appeal of this trope lies in the friction caused by their differences and their mutual attraction despite having outwardly incompatible personalities. “Opposites Attract” is a great plot tool to drive character growth as well - often one or both of the protagonists realise that the other rounds out their life by bringing balancing qualities, and they are the better for it.

Second Chance

Second chance romances are stories where a couple separated in the past reunites after realising their still-present feelings for each other. This trope is defined by themes of past mistakes, the pain of separation, and personal maturation. Second chance romances are satisfying only when characters show proper growth and address (and resolve) the issues that tore them apart in the first place. 

Secret Identity

This trope is used as a plot driver in romance stories where one or both main characters are hiding their true persona (motivated by a need for protection, deception, or a desire for authentic love). These stories typically feature royals, billionaires, mafia, undercover agents, or masked heroes. This trope also includes stories where a character deliberately hides their real persona after a case of mistaken identity.