Character Archetypes: The Love Interest

We've looked at sidekicks and mentors, now it's time to look at another important secondary character- the love interest. They can be found in almost any kind of story and almost all stories have them. Love is such an universal theme that it's often used a sub-plot. But having a good one is trickier.

Who Is the Love Interest?

The name is pretty self explanatory. A love interest is the character in the novel that the hero falls in love with. Sometimes, that's the point of the story. More often, it's a sub-plot to saving the world or something. Having someone the hero falls in love with can help remind us that they're human too.

Love interests are interesting characters. They can be used in many ways. Far too often they're plot devices, but they can also be used to from everything from guiding the hero to change to having important information. Through the love interest, we can root harder for the hero and hope they end up together (which almost always happens).

Types of Love Interests

• Friend-to-lover. They have been friends with the protagonist forever. Both of them think it's nothing, but over the course of the story come to realize they actually love each other.

• Hate-to-love. Think classic Darcy and Lizzy. They start out hating each other and over time find out the other person isn't as bad as they thought and fall in love. Has to be done carefully.

• The Cinnamon Roll. This is the character that is too precious and sweet for this world. Everyone loves them. They're irresistible and don't deserve any of the things that happen to them in the story.

• The Nerd. They're shy but smart and the hero might not notice them for a long time. In the end, however, they do notice and somehow fall in love with this glasses wearing geek.

• Broody One. While mostly a guy love interest kind, it's been working it's way into female characters too. I don't like this kind, as they're so eye rolling dramatic, but some people love them and their brooding ways.

• Forbidden Love. They're out of the hero's league, or visa versa. Something separates them that can't be crossed. But love with breach the divide and unite these unlikely lovers.

Characteristics

• Same age. Most love interests will be of a relatable age to the hero. It's creepy otherwise. It's especially important when writing a YA novel to have them be the same age.

• Quirky. There's something about the love interest that draws the hero to them. It could be a part of their personality, interests, or fashion sense. Once the hero is drawn in, there's no turning back.

• Attractive. You'll almost never find an ugly love interest. (That's not necessarily a good thing, but we're not going into that today.) I guess people think that it's easier for the character and us to like them if they're physically attractive.

• Other half. They complete your hero. They're strong where the hero is weak, knowledgeable about things the hero is not. They should feel like they belong together, not like they were randomly thrown together.

To Avoid

• Sexy. I hate it when the person the hero is suppose to fall in love with is just hot and basically nothing else. It's not good for the story or for the character.

• Glorifying bad behavior. Toxic relationships. Possessiveness. Pre-marital sex. All things that shouldn't be shown as good, but is because the person is hot.

• Love triangles. It's been done. It's over. It can still be used well sometimes, but that time is rarely at this point.

• One dimensional. I've said this in every secondary character post, but I'll say it again. All characters are people and you should treat them as such, not as plot devices. Give them personalities, interests, and a life outside of their other half.

Writing a Love Interest

Start by making an actual character. 'Nuff said. There's nothing wrong with designing them with the purpose of being good for your hero, but that doesn't need to be their only trait. They can have their own lives.

You also need to make sure that your relationship feels realistic. Have them go on dates, talk about their interests. Show them enjoying being with each other. You have to sell the audience on their relationship. Give us those moments where they grow together, see each other in a new light, or are just enjoying being together.

And you don't need to add a romantic subplot just because. More stories should be written with platonic relationships in my opinion. If you are going to add one, make sure it makes sense within the story. Use your love interest properly to advance the hero and the story.

Example Characters

Astrid- How to Train Your Dragon

Alexander- Alex and Eliza

Peter Kavinsky- To All the Boys I Love Before

Gwen- Merlin

Annabeth- Percy Jackson

Flynn- Tangled

Who is your favorite love interest? What tips do you have for writing a romance? Tell me in the comments.

Suggested Posts:

Character Archetypes: Secondary Characters

Character Archetypes: The Hero