Often, there is a complex plot around the love. It's not just a simple love story. In 'Romance of the Western Chamber', there are plots about the test of the two lovers by the elders, the schemes of others, and the efforts they need to make to prove their love. This makes the love story more vivid and full - bodied, showing different aspects of love in the context of Chinese society.
One characteristic is the strong expression of emotions. In these novels, love is often described with great intensity, whether it's the joy of being in love or the pain of separation. For example, in 'A Dream of Red Mansions', Lin Daiyu's love for Jia Baoyu is so deep that her every mood is related to him, and her sadness at the thought of possible separation is palpable.
Chinese love novels often involve complex family relationships. For example, in many classic novels, the lovers' relationship is affected by family status, family honor and family rules.
One characteristic is its complexity. In Chinese novels, love is often intertwined with family, society and moral values. For example, in 'A Dream of Red Mansions', the love between Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu is restricted by the family structure and social norms. Another characteristic is its diversity. There are different types of love like the pure and innocent first love, the deep and selfless family love and the loyal and unwavering friendship love. Also, the expression of love in Chinese novels can be very subtle. It may be shown through small actions or glances rather than direct declarations.
Chinese love novels often emphasize the concept of fate. Lovers are sometimes seen as being destined to be together or not. For example, in 'A Dream of Red Mansions', the fates of the characters are pre - determined to some extent.
First, secrecy is a major characteristic. The love in these novels is not openly expressed at the beginning. Second, there is often a strong sense of longing. Since the love is hidden, the characters long for the day when they can be open about their feelings. Third, they usually have a lot of internal monologues. The characters constantly struggle within themselves about whether to reveal their love or not.
In Chinese novels, exclusive love often involves deep loyalty. For example, in 'A Dream of Red Mansions', Jia Baoyu remains deeply attached to Lin Daiyu despite the many distractions in the Jia family. Their love is exclusive in that it is not easily swayed by external temptations or the wishes of others.
Many Chinese novels about love often emphasize the concept of fate. For example, in traditional novels, lovers may be brought together by some mysterious force. And they usually have a strong sense of family and social context influencing the love. In 'A Dream of Red Mansions', the love between the characters is also restricted by the family's decline and social rules.
The transformation of the relationship is a big part. In Chinese novels with forced love, the relationship doesn't stay in the 'forced' state. It gradually changes as the characters interact more. There could be moments of self - discovery for both parties. They might realize that the forced situation actually led them to know each other better than they would have otherwise. Also, the cultural context in Chinese novels sometimes plays a role. For example, concepts like loyalty and sacrifice can be intertwined with the development of the forced love relationship.
One characteristic is that it can be all - consuming. The characters' thoughts and actions are centered around the object of their love. They might sacrifice their own interests, careers, or even lives for this love. In many historical Chinese novels, female characters often showed this kind of extreme love, where they were willing to endure great hardships for the sake of their beloved.
Typically, they often focus on the emotional journey of the characters. The protagonists usually start from a state of longing for love or being unaware of what true love is. For instance, in many modern Chinese romance novels, the female lead might be initially focused on her career but then realizes she is missing out on love.
Often, first love in Chinese novels is intertwined with family and society. The family background and social environment can either promote or hinder the development of first love. In some modern Chinese novels, the young lovers may face family opposition or social pressure, but they still hold on to their first love with great perseverance.