Typically, they often involve unrequited love. One character may love another deeply, but for various reasons like social status differences, personal insecurities or pre - existing relationships, that love is not fully reciprocated. For example, in some manga, a poor boy might fall in love with a rich girl, but her family or her own expectations prevent her from fully accepting his love.
One characteristic is the use of bittersweet endings. Instead of a typical happy ending, they often end with the characters being separated or having unfulfilled love, which leaves a deep sense of melancholy. For example, in some sad love story manga, the lovers might be parted by death or some insurmountable obstacle.
One characteristic is unfulfilled love. For example, in many stories, the lovers are separated by circumstances like distance, family, or social status. Another is a sense of loss. When one of the lovers dies or leaves, the remaining person is left with a deep sense of emptiness. Also, there's often a feeling of powerlessness. The characters can't change the situation that's tearing their love apart, like in the case of terminal illness in some stories.
One characteristic is the presence of external obstacles. Like in Romeo and Juliet, their families' feud was the main obstacle. These obstacles often seem insurmountable.
The 2005 sad love story Korean dramas often have complex characters. For example, in 'My Name is Kim Sam - soon', the main character has her own insecurities which play a big role in her love story. These insecurities add to the sadness as she struggles to find true love and acceptance.
The use of Tagalog language is a big characteristic. It allows for a more nuanced expression of emotions that are specific to the Filipino culture. The words can convey a sense of longing, heartbreak, and unrequited love in a very vivid way. Also, these stories usually have a lot of melodramatic elements. There are often big revelations, sacrifices, and moments of extreme despair that tug at the readers' heartstrings. They might involve themes like lost love, unfulfilled dreams in the context of love, and the pain of separation.
Books about sad love stories often have a bittersweet quality. There are moments of great happiness in the relationship, but they are overshadowed by the overall sadness. For instance, in 'Love Story' by Erich Segal, the couple has a beautiful relationship but it is cut short by illness. And they usually explore themes of sacrifice, like a character sacrificing their own happiness for the sake of the other.
Most of these books are full of emotional turmoil. The characters experience a roller - coaster of emotions. They might start with hope and joy in their love, but then things go wrong. There could be misunderstandings, betrayals or just the cruel hand of time. These elements combine to create a melancholic atmosphere that makes the readers feel the sadness of the love story.
Short manga love stories usually have distinct art styles that enhance the romantic mood. The characters' expressions and body language are exaggerated in a way that makes the love story more palpable. The backgrounds are often drawn to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for the love story to take place, like a beautiful park or a cozy coffee shop.
The art style also plays a big part. Usually, the characters are drawn in a very appealing and kawaii way. Their big eyes, soft features and colorful expressions enhance the cuteness factor. In 'Love So Life', the two main characters, Shiharu and the twins, are depicted in such a way that it makes their story even more endearing. The detailed drawings of their daily life together, like cooking or playing with the kids, add to the charm of the love story.
They are usually concise. They quickly get to the point of the love story, without a lot of long - winded build - up. For example, in 'A Silent Voice', the relationship between Shoya and Shoko develops in a relatively short span with powerful emotional moments.