I love this idea of romance math -- brilliant! And you're so right that the question of "does this character deserve love" gets loaded real fast, but is also worth considering from a craft perspective of just like, what are you putting on the page, what are your intentions, how are you hoping it will be received, is there a gap between that, etc.?
Story intention is such a good thing to focus on when developing characters, isn't it? Like, this character may be funny and interesting, and intelligent, but if they're not aligned with my vision for the story, then great character or not, it won't work.
This is such an interesting question! When I feel that a character in a romance doesn’t “deserve” their happy ending, it’s usually because I don’t think they’ve grown enough, or learnt enough from whatever mistake caused the conflict in the first place. And it’s not that I don’t think they deserve a HEA at all - rather that I don’t feel they deserve this person at this time. It’s almost always male characters I have this issue with- partly because a core reason I read M/F romance is to see a man broken the F down and having to reckon with his emotional immaturity and role in the patriarchy. Wish fulfilment, yes!
Yes this! If he’s not there yet then he’s not doing his job as a love interest. You have to believe choosing him is the answer but if he’s still got growing to do it may not be.
Love this analysis! There's a fine line between "You deserve each other" (sincere) and "You deserve each other" (sarcastic). Which is why I think enemies-to-lovers is the BEST lol
Now I'm asking myself does Bruce Wayne bring out the best in Selina Kyle? And what exactly is the "best" version of Selina Kyle? Is it a more ethical, law abiding version or the side that makes her a fun, compelling character to read/watch?
Yes, my brain went to comic books here sorry in advance.
I think it depends on the story and whether the author is making the argument that these two embody each other's happy endings. Selina in particular, isn't always constructed the same way from comic to comic. Sometimes they have a morality chain dynamic, which can be lopsided and make a lot of people not root for them. The best case for them as a couple might be Batman Returns. Selina was unequivocally better with Bruce, and Bruce became more passionate and human with her. I also think Jeph Loeb wrote them this way. The Long Halloween, Dark Victory, Catwoman: When In Rome, and Hush are stories that argue they would be happier if they were brave enough to choose each other.
I love this idea of romance math -- brilliant! And you're so right that the question of "does this character deserve love" gets loaded real fast, but is also worth considering from a craft perspective of just like, what are you putting on the page, what are your intentions, how are you hoping it will be received, is there a gap between that, etc.?
Story intention is such a good thing to focus on when developing characters, isn't it? Like, this character may be funny and interesting, and intelligent, but if they're not aligned with my vision for the story, then great character or not, it won't work.
This is such an interesting question! When I feel that a character in a romance doesn’t “deserve” their happy ending, it’s usually because I don’t think they’ve grown enough, or learnt enough from whatever mistake caused the conflict in the first place. And it’s not that I don’t think they deserve a HEA at all - rather that I don’t feel they deserve this person at this time. It’s almost always male characters I have this issue with- partly because a core reason I read M/F romance is to see a man broken the F down and having to reckon with his emotional immaturity and role in the patriarchy. Wish fulfilment, yes!
Yes this! If he’s not there yet then he’s not doing his job as a love interest. You have to believe choosing him is the answer but if he’s still got growing to do it may not be.
Love this analysis! There's a fine line between "You deserve each other" (sincere) and "You deserve each other" (sarcastic). Which is why I think enemies-to-lovers is the BEST lol
There really is! Enemies to overs is one of the hardest tropes for this reason
I am not sorry for restacking this three separate times. THANK YOU!!
I'm not sorry you're not sorry 😂 thank you for sharing!
Now I'm asking myself does Bruce Wayne bring out the best in Selina Kyle? And what exactly is the "best" version of Selina Kyle? Is it a more ethical, law abiding version or the side that makes her a fun, compelling character to read/watch?
Yes, my brain went to comic books here sorry in advance.
I think it depends on the story and whether the author is making the argument that these two embody each other's happy endings. Selina in particular, isn't always constructed the same way from comic to comic. Sometimes they have a morality chain dynamic, which can be lopsided and make a lot of people not root for them. The best case for them as a couple might be Batman Returns. Selina was unequivocally better with Bruce, and Bruce became more passionate and human with her. I also think Jeph Loeb wrote them this way. The Long Halloween, Dark Victory, Catwoman: When In Rome, and Hush are stories that argue they would be happier if they were brave enough to choose each other.
Okay fine I'll read Batman comics again lol