What elements can be added to the first paragraph of a love story to make it more interesting?

The complex characters from 'Game of Thrones' could be added. For example, having a police detective with the cunning of Littlefinger, always plotting and using information to his advantage in solving cases.

To make it a complete horror story, you should add a sense of impending doom. For example, if the opening paragraph is about a spooky old house, you could add details like strange noises coming from the attic that keep getting louder and more frequent, making the protagonist feel that something really bad is about to happen.

One spooky element could be a strange smell, like a mix of rotting flowers and damp earth. It can add to the uneasiness. Another could be unexplained footprints that seem to appear out of nowhere. For example, the main character could be walking in a hallway and suddenly see small, wet footprints that weren't there before.

One element is the use of time distortion. If the opening is in a haunted place, you can make it seem like time passes differently there. For example, minutes can feel like hours. Another aspect is the addition of objects with a strange power. Say the opening is about a spooky attic. You could introduce an old doll that seems to have a life of its own. You can also add a feeling of being watched from all directions. And the use of weather can be important too. A sudden storm or thick fog can make the situation more menacing when continuing from the opening paragraph of a ghost story.

One element could be modern technology. For example, in a new fairy tale story, the princess could use a magic - powered smartphone to call for help instead of waiting for a prince to rescue her. Another element is different cultures. You can incorporate elements from Asian, African or other cultures into the fairy tale world. For instance, a fairy tale could be set in a Chinese - inspired magical land with dragons and phoenixes.

Surprise is one element. For example, in a story where two people who seem to be from different worlds suddenly fall in love. Another is the journey of self - discovery within the relationship. Like when a character realizes new things about themselves because of the love they have for someone else.

One element is the unexpected encounter. Like in many great love stories, the two main characters meet in a very unexpected way, which adds a touch of magic. Another is the obstacles they face. It could be family disapproval, distance, or differences in beliefs. When they overcome these, it makes the story more engaging.

One element could be a mysterious guide. For example, a strange old man who seems to know a lot about the door but has his own ulterior motives. He could lead the woman deeper into the mystery, adding suspense.

Innocence is a big part. For example, the simple act of sharing an ice - cream on a hot day without any complex motives. Also, shyness plays a role. Like when a boy blushes when he first holds a girl's hand. And unexpected encounters, such as meeting at a rain - soaked bus stop and then sharing an umbrella which can lead to a cute first love story.

The setting is crucial. A dark, isolated place like an old forest or an abandoned building can create an immediate sense of unease. Also, the use of senses such as hearing a strange sound or feeling a cold touch can make it more terrifying. And a sense of the unknown, not fully explaining what the scary thing is, leaves room for the reader's imagination to run wild.