One way to develop her character is to give her a backstory. If she moved to a new school and that's why she's unpopular at first, it adds depth. Her reactions to the popular guy's attention are important too. At first, she might be skeptical or scared, but as she gets to know him better, she becomes more confident. Also, her involvement in school or community activities, like volunteering at an animal shelter, can show her selfless side and make her more interesting.
She could be developed through her insecurities. Maybe she's shy because she was bullied in the past. As the story progresses, she can overcome these insecurities, especially with the support of the popular guy. Her kindness towards others, even those who are mean to her, can also be a big part of her character development. And she can have a unique sense of humor that only the popular guy starts to appreciate over time.
The unpopular girl can be developed by showing her hobbies. For example, if she loves painting, it can be a way for the popular guy to see her creativity and passion. Also, her relationships with her family and friends can be explored. If she has a really close - knit family or a very loyal friend, it shows her value. And her dreams for the future, like wanting to study a certain subject or travel to a specific place, can make her more complex.
One example could be 'The Duff' which was later made into a movie. In this story, the popular guy starts to notice the so - called 'duff' (designated ugly fat friend) in a different light and they develop a relationship.
It's the idea of unexpected love. People like the concept that love can happen between two people who seem so different in terms of social status. It gives hope that there's more to a person than what society labels them as.
However, it could also go the other way. There might be jealousy from other girls or even some guys who don't like the idea of the popular guy being with an unpopular girl. They could start to spread rumors or be mean to her, which could potentially make her social standing worse at first. But as the relationship develops and the guy stands by her, she might gain more respect in the long run.
In these fanfics, the 'shared interest' trope is often seen. For example, they both love a certain type of music or literature that no one else around them cares about. This shared passion becomes a strong bond. Then there's the 'unexpected encounter' trope. They might meet in a really strange or unexpected place that makes their connection seem fated. And the 'protective instinct' trope can also be present. The popular guy feels the need to protect the unpopular girl from the mean remarks or actions of others.
One common plot twist is that the unpopular girl has a hidden talent or passion. For example, she might be an amazing artist or a brilliant writer but keeps it to herself. When the popular guy discovers this, it deepens his attraction. Another twist could be that there's some kind of misunderstanding or interference from the popular guy's friends who don't approve of the relationship. They might try to break them up, but in the end, the guy realizes his true feelings and stands up to his friends.
You can also look for these fanfictions on Wattpad. There are often communities dedicated to different types of romantic tropes. The unpopular guy in these stories might be an outcast because he's a bit nerdy or doesn't fit the typical 'cool' image. But the popular girl, who might be tired of the shallow relationships in her popular clique, is drawn to his authenticity and unique personality.
It often allows for character development. The popular girl can learn to look beyond surface - level popularity and discover true value in someone. The unpopular guy, on the other hand, can gain confidence. For example, in a story where the unpopular guy is into astronomy and the popular girl initially mocks him but then becomes fascinated by the stars through him. Their relationship becomes a journey of self - discovery for both of them. This kind of growth and change in the characters makes the fanfiction really engaging.
One way for it to end well is if they both grow as individuals. The popular guy learns to look beyond appearances and social status, and the unpopular girl learns to value herself more. They could decide to go to different colleges but still stay together, proving that their relationship is strong enough to withstand distance. This would show that they've not only found love but also self - discovery through their relationship.
The theme of transformation is often present. The unpopular girl might transform in terms of her confidence and social standing. The popular guy may also transform in his values and how he views the world. For instance, in some novels, the popular guy starts to see the importance of authenticity and kindness which he learns from the unpopular girl. This mutual transformation is what makes the relationship in these novels so interesting and engaging.
One common trope is the makeover. The popular guy might help the unpopular girl change her appearance, which then leads to a newfound confidence in her. Another is the 'opposites attract' situation where their different social statuses in school create interesting dynamics. For example, they might get paired up for a school project and slowly start to fall for each other despite their initial differences.