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Mandy M. Roth® NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of Paranormal Women's Fiction, Paranormal Romance, and Urban Fantasy!

Exploring the ‘Opposites Attract’ Romance Trope

Nocturnal Journal MMR Blog

The “opposites attract” trope is a popular trope within romance books. It pits two characters of entirely different backgrounds and personalities against each other in order to create tension, conflict, and, ultimately, resolution. This trope can be highly effective when done right, so let’s take a look at what makes it work and why readers love it so much.

The Appeal of Opposites Attract

The appeal of the opposites-attract trope lies in its ability to create an environment ripe for dramatic tension. By throwing two people together with vastly different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, there is a built-in source of conflict that provides the reader with an engaging story arc.

In real life, we often find ourselves drawn toward people who are different; after all, it’s human nature to seek balance and harmony in our relationships. By setting up two characters who are complete opposites but still manage to make their relationship work despite the odds stacked against them, readers get a rare glimpse into the possibility that even seemingly incompatible people can form strong connections if they are willing to compromise and work together.

Making It Work

One of the keys to making this trope successful is having well-developed characters with unique backstories and motivations. If one or both characters feel too one-dimensional or generic, it will be difficult for readers to connect with them emotionally; after all, it’s hard to care about someone if you don’t understand why they act or think the way they do! In order for this type of story structure to really shine, you need characters that feel real and complex enough that readers can empathize with them even if they don’t necessarily agree with their choices or actions.

The “opposites attract” romance trope is a tried-and-true method for creating dynamic stories full of tension and drama. For those looking for a good romantic read featuring this type of story structure, there are plenty of excellent examples out there which showcase just how powerful this trope can be when written correctly!

Check out these “opposites attract” romance reads!




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