What are the common plot devices in amnesia historical romance novels?
The third common plot device is the conflict that amnesia creates. It can cause misunderstandings between the main characters. For example, the amnesiac character may not remember a past relationship or a promise made. This leads to tension and drama in the story, which is essential in a historical romance novel. The other characters' reactions to the amnesia also play a big role. Some may try to take advantage of the situation, while others may be genuinely helpful in trying to help the character regain their memory.
One common plot device is the mystery surrounding the cause of amnesia. It keeps the reader guessing. For example, in many novels, it could be due to a traumatic event in the past which is often related to the historical context, like a war or a family feud.
Another plot device is the rediscovery of self. When a character has amnesia, they often have to rediscover who they are. In a historical romance, this can be intertwined with falling in love. For instance, the amnesiac character might start to form new relationships and through these, learn about their past self. They may find old letters or diaries that were forgotten due to amnesia which then reveals important information about their history and their family. This not only adds to the romance but also to the historical depth of the story.
