What is a Romance Trope?

Have you heard of the word trope?

Yeah, I hadn’t either until a few years ago, but it turns out I was well versed in them regardless and you probably are as well.

But what exactly is a trope and how does it apply to romance writing?

Basically, a trope is a storytelling tool. It can be a plot device, (a technique to move a story forward, eg the flashback, the cliffhanger, plot twist, the red herring), a character type (such as the hero, the villain, the underdog, the sidekick, the rebel), a recurring theme or a motif (a symbol that appears over and over in the story).

In romance books (and movies), tropes guide audiences through the ebbs and flows of love, desire and human connection. While these tropes may be familiar or even seen as cliched, it’s the unique twists, character dynamics and emotional depth infused into each narrative that keep viewers captivated and coming back for more.

Here are just a few common romance tropes:

Forbidden Love: We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet and probably studied it at high school at some point. This trope features characters who face some sort of barrier to their love whether from society, family or something other external force which leads to dramatic tension and emotional conflict. It explores themes of sacrifice, defiance and the transformative power of love that conquers all.

Second Chance Romance: Sometimes, love deserves a second shot, as protagonists reunite after years apart, grappling with unresolved feelings and the passage of time. A classic example of this is the Nicholas Sparks book/movie, The Notebook where Noah and Allie confront the bittersweet nostalgia of rekindling a romance that defies the passage of decades.

Fake Relationship: What begins as a charade soon unravels into genuine emotions as the characters navigate the complexities of pretending to be in love, only to discover the real thing along the way. This is the trope of my book For Love and Charity as Marcus and Laura pretend to be a couple for the sake of the publicity that helps raise money for his favourite charity.

Enemies-to-Lovers: Pride and Prejudice anyone? Jane Austen’s timeless classic fits this trope. Sparks fly amidst heated arguments and sizzling tension as two individuals on opposing ends of a conflict find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy pave the way for a love that transcends societal barriers and preconceived notions.

Opposites Attract:  A trope that revolves around characters who are polar opposites in personality, background or beliefs but find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. It explores themes of acceptance, growth and the transformative power of love.  The Proposal is one such movie that fits this scenario.

The classic Cinderella story has been retold time and again different ways. Think Ella Enchanted, A Cinderella Story, Ever After, Maid in Manhatten, Pretty Woman and a host of other movies.  

These are just a smattering of the myriad of tropes that populate the romance story world, each offering its own brand of escapism and the promise of a happily ever after.

What is your favourite romance trope?