When you think of fantasy, you usually think of the following: a realm of magic, mythical creatures, and epic quests. But what about romance? With the rise of Romantasy and Romantic Fantasy, romance shouldn’t be ignored.
Romantic tropes have found their way into the enchanted lands of fantasy, enchanting readers and adding an extra layer of complexity to the stories we adore. There are definitely tropes in fantasy romance, but it’s what you do with them that matters.
Embracing Romantic Tropes
Picture this: a forbidden love that transcends all boundaries, a tantalizing love triangle that leaves readers torn, or the eternal bond of soulmates that defies time and space. These classic romantic tropes have enthralled readers for ages, and they have a special place in the hearts of fantasy fans. Embracing these tropes allows us to tap into the emotional depth they bring and create stories that resonate with readers.
There are many tropes in romance books, but here are some of the most common ones that find their way into fantasy series:
- Enemies to Lovers: Closely related to the rivals-to-lovers trope, this trope involves two characters who start off as adversaries or on opposite sides but eventually develop romantic feelings for each other.
- Forbidden Love: In this trope, the romantic relationship is hindered by societal, cultural, or supernatural barriers, creating a sense of forbidden or taboo love. Think Romeo and Juliet.
- Mates: Characters who are destined to be together, often with a magical or supernatural connection, fall under this trope. There are many variations of this trope, but Feyre/Rhysand and Aelin/Rowan in Sarah J. Maas’s books are an example.
- Love Triangle: A classic trope where a central character is torn between two potential love interests, creating tension and drama in the romantic storyline. Think Katniss/Peeta/Gale in the Hunger Games.
Tropes are familiar. They’re easy for readers to sink into because they know what to expect. By embracing tropes, you can dive deeper into the intense emotions and challenges of love in your fantasy world.
Reinventing Romantic Archetypes
While classic romantic archetypes have their charm, why not give them a magical makeover? In the enchanted realms of fantasy, we have the power to reimagine traditional archetypes and breathe new life into them. Subverting gender roles or cultural expectations within romances can bring a refreshing twist to age-old narratives.
Love knows no boundaries, and it is essential to showcase diverse relationships and representation in fantasy romance. By incorporating LGBTQ+ relationships, non-binary characters, or polyamory, we create a more inclusive and authentic world within our stories.
Imagine a magical realm where same-sex relationships are celebrated, or a polyamorous trio embarks on a quest together, united by love and a shared destiny.
Imagine a fierce warrior princess who saves her prince charming from distress, or a charming rogue who falls head over heels for a powerful sorceress. By reinventing romantic archetypes, we challenge stereotypes and create stories that break new ground.
Defying Clichés: Unconventional Love Stories
Love stories need not follow a formula. In fact, breaking away from clichéd romantic plotlines can lead to exciting and unexpected tales. Why not explore unconventional love stories that challenge expectations and provide fresh perspectives? Unlikely pairings, unconventional settings, or unconventional character traits can make for captivating romances.
Imagine a romance blossoming between a goblin and a human in the forbidden depths of a forgotten labyrinth, or a love that transcends physical form and exists between a shape-shifting mermaid and an enchanted tree spirit.
Balancing Romance and Plot Development
In the vast realm of fantasy, romance can sometimes vie for the spotlight with the main plot. Finding the right balance between romance and plot development is essential to create a harmonious and engaging story. Integrate romance seamlessly into the narrative, allowing it to enhance the overall plot without overshadowing other essential elements.
There is a lot of worldbuilding that goes into a fantasy book, so it can be difficult to balance the genre of fantasy with the necessary beats of romance. There are ways to create a seamless romance within your fantasy world, though.
Consider weaving the romance into the larger tapestry of the plot. Think Stardust by Neil Gaiman. The love story is there, yes, but there is also a robust fantasy world and an adventure plotline as the characters race back to Wall (and fall in love along the way).
Fantastical Romance Practical Exercises
Now that we’ve delved into the world of romantic tropes in fantasy fiction, it’s time to put our newfound knowledge into practice. Here are a few practical exercises to help you embrace or subvert romantic tropes in your own writing:
- Embracing the Tropes: Choose a classic romantic trope, such as forbidden love or a love triangle, and write a short story or scene where you fully embrace the trope. Play with the emotions, conflicts, and resolutions associated with that trope.
- Reinventing Archetypes: Take a traditional romantic archetype, such as the damsel in distress or the knight in shining armor, and reimagine them in a fantasy setting. Flip the gender roles, challenge expectations, and explore new possibilities for their character development and relationships.
- Subverting Expectations: Select a common romantic trope and brainstorm ways to subvert it in unexpected ways. Think about surprising plot twists, unconventional character choices, or alternative resolutions that defy readers’ expectations.
Remember, writing is an adventure, and navigating romantic tropes in fantasy fiction allows you to unleash your creativity and surprise both yourself and your readers.
Write the Kissing Scenes.
Whether you choose to embrace the classic tropes, reinvent archetypes, defy clichés, or subvert expectations, it is crucial to craft authentic, diverse, and engaging romantic narratives.
So, grab your quill, summon your imagination, and let love’s magic guide your pen as you embark on your next fantastical romance.
Happy writing!