FOR READERS
Today’s reader topic comes from QSFer Kari Trenten:
What are certain plot and character features you simply can’t get enough of?
Writers: This is a reader chat – you are welcome to join it, but please do not reference your own works directly. Thanks!
Arch enemies drawn together in a romantic or close way in spite of destiny. Seishirou and Subaru, Naruto and Sasuke, Lex and Clark are all examples of this. Being hunted, chased, or stalked by mysterious forces; ‘Firestarter’, ‘The Shining’, ‘The Talisman’, ‘Melusine’, and countless H.P. Lovecraft stories have excellent examples of this. Characters who are mysterious, even to themselves, experiencing the world gradually with the audience. ‘Bewitchments of Love and Hate’ is a superb example of this, not to mention highly inspirational.
Arranged marriage/forced marriage is definitely the top trope. I just resist the topic and look forward to seeing how characters grow and expand when forced to interact with and grow to love someone that they don’t know or care for. That depth of writing is incredible!
I have so many! The “bickering coworkers who are trying to ignore their unresolved sexual tension” is one of my top faves (think Spock and Bones, LOL). The “grumpy guy who actually has a heart of gold but is gruff because he’s been hurt before” always gets my vote. Also the obligatory “have to share a bed” and/or “stranded in a cave in a blizzard/avalanche and have to cuddle for warmth to survive”! :)