Typically, they start with the characters setting off on a road trip. For example, they might be running away from something or looking for a new start. Then, they meet someone interesting during the journey, like in 'The Long Way Home' where the main character meets a stranger who gradually becomes a love interest as they travel together.
Often, the changing landscapes and the different places they visit play a big role in plot development. The new environments can create situations where the characters have to rely on each other more, which deepens their relationship. In many road trip romance novels, there are also unplanned detours that lead to key moments in the relationship. These detours can be things like getting lost and finding a beautiful, secluded place where the characters have a heart - to - heart conversation and their feelings start to grow.
Well, in stranger romance novels, the plot usually begins with the characters being strangers in a particular setting, like at a new job or in a new neighborhood. There is a sense of mystery about each other. As the story progresses, small acts of kindness or shared experiences start to break the ice. They might face external obstacles together, which strengthen their bond. Over time, the attraction turns into love. For instance, in some novels, they might be thrown together in a dangerous situation as strangers and by helping each other, they fall in love. It's all about the journey from strangers to lovers.
Apocalypse romance novels typically develop their plots by first establishing the world after the apocalypse. This could be a world with limited resources, new power structures, or strange new threats. The characters are introduced, and often they have different goals initially. But as the story progresses, the romance begins to form. Take 'Delirium' for instance. Lena is living in a world where love is prohibited. When she starts to fall in love, it goes against everything she has been taught. The plot then unfolds as she tries to hide her feelings and deal with the consequences, all while the apocalyptic - like society around her continues to function in its own strict way. The romance and the apocalyptic setting constantly interact, driving the story forward. The characters' love often becomes a source of strength or a weakness depending on the situation, and this dynamic shapes the plot throughout the novel.
Outcast romance novels often start by establishing the characters' outcast status. This could be due to their appearance, beliefs, or social standing. Then, they usually introduce a situation where the outcast character meets another character, often someone different from them. As the story progresses, they face challenges together, which helps to strengthen their bond. For example, in 'The Hating Game', the two characters' initial dislike for each other because of their work rivalry gradually turns into love as they understand each other more.
In most roommate romance novels, the plot development also depends on the characters' backstories. If one of the roommates has a past relationship that ended badly, it can affect how they approach the new relationship with their roommate. The discovery of each other's secrets and dreams also plays a big role. For instance, they might find out that they both have a secret passion for art, and this common interest becomes a catalyst for their relationship to grow. Also, external factors like family or friends' opinions can either push them together or create obstacles in their path to love.
Often, they start with the protagonist having some sort of flashback or strange feeling about a past life. For example, in many novels, the character might dream about a past self and a past love. Then, as the story progresses, they start to meet people or experience events that seem to be linked to that past life, gradually uncovering the romantic connection from the past that still holds significance in the present.
In reunited romance novels, the plot typically begins with a backstory of the relationship. After the separation, the story may show how the characters have grown or changed independently. When they meet again, there's a mix of emotions - nostalgia, anger, love. The plot develops as they start to communicate and re - explore their feelings. For instance, in 'One Day', the annual meetings of the two characters gradually unfold their changing relationship and the reasons behind their continued connection, leading to a deeper exploration of love over time.
Well, in Amneisia romance novels, the plot often begins with the amnesia as a central point. The character with amnesia is usually the focus. They might be found by someone who takes them in and starts to care for them. As time passes, feelings develop between them. But then, as the character starts to regain bits of their memory, there are conflicts. Their past self might have been different, or there could be a prior relationship that now clashes with the new one. It's a roller - coaster of emotions and revelations.
Often, they start with the introduction of the main characters in a hospital setting, like a new doctor arriving or a nurse starting a new shift. Then, there's some kind of encounter that sparks an initial attraction, maybe a shared patient case or a moment of crisis in the hospital.
Typically, they start with a conflict or misunderstanding between the two main characters. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth's initial impression of Mr. Darcy is that he is proud and snobbish. This creates a rift between them. Then, through a series of events like social gatherings, letters, or shared experiences, the characters start to see each other in a new light. In 'The Hating Game', the workplace competition gradually gives way to personal revelations.
Coworker romance novels often develop their plots around the shared work environment. There are office politics, deadlines, and projects that bring the characters together. In many of these novels, like 'It Ends with Us', the characters have to navigate their personal feelings while also dealing with the professional consequences of their relationship. They might face disapproval from bosses or colleagues, which adds to the drama of the story. Also, the daily interactions at work, such as coffee breaks or meetings, are used as opportunities for the relationship to progress, either through flirty exchanges or deeper conversations that reveal their true feelings.