conflict in a romance novel

Introducing past relationship baggage for one or both characters can be a great source of conflict. Maybe one has trust issues from a previous heartbreak. Another option is creating a misunderstanding that threatens to derail the romance.

Family secrets can be a source of conflict. For example, if one character discovers that their partner's family has a hidden past that could potentially affect their relationship, like a history of crime or a long - held grudge against their own family. Another idea is a difference in life goals. If one wants a big family and a quiet life in the countryside, while the other dreams of a fast - paced life in the city with a high - flying career, it will create a lot of conflict as they try to figure out a future together. Also, interference from friends can be a problem. If a friend has a hidden agenda or is jealous of the relationship, they may try to drive the couple apart by spreading rumors or causing misunderstandings.

One idea could be a difference in social status. For example, one character is from a wealthy family while the other is from a working - class background. This can lead to conflicts like disapproval from family members, or feelings of inadequacy from the character with the lower status. Another conflict could be career - related. If one character has to move far away for a job opportunity, it creates a dilemma between love and career. Also, a past relationship can be a source of conflict. Maybe an ex - partner shows up and tries to rekindle the old flame, causing jealousy and trust issues in the current relationship.

One common type is internal conflict within a character. For example, a character might struggle with their own insecurities, like believing they are not worthy of love. Another type is external conflict. This could be family opposition, where the families of the two lovers don't approve of their relationship. Also, there can be conflict due to misunderstandings between the two main characters. They might misinterpret each other's actions or words, leading to drama and tension in the relationship.

One conflict idea could be differences in social class. For example, a poor artist falling in love with a wealthy heir. Their different upbringings, values related to money, and the expectations of their respective social circles can create a lot of tension. The wealthy heir might be expected to marry within their own class for business or family reasons, while the artist values freedom and creativity over wealth.

Conflict in a romance novel is like fuel for the plot. When there's conflict, it creates a sense of anticipation. Let's say there's a conflict of career goals between the two lovers. One wants to move to a big city for a job opportunity, and the other wants to stay in their small town. This conflict forces them to make decisions and take actions. These actions and decisions are what move the plot forward. Maybe they try to find a compromise, or they break up and then realize they can't live without each other. All these scenarios are driven by the initial conflict.

In romance novels, internal conflict is often shown through the characters' self - doubts. For example, a character might doubt their own worthiness of love due to past experiences. This could be a failed relationship in the past that made them feel unlovable.

In romance novels, conflict often comes from competition. There could be a rival for one of the lovers' affections. This rival might be more charming, wealthy, or have some other advantage at first glance. Another type is the conflict caused by the characters' different life goals. If one wants to travel the world and the other wants to settle down in their hometown, it can create a significant source of tension in the relationship.

External conflict often involves rivals. In many romance novels, there's a third character who is also interested in one of the protagonists. This rival can create a lot of tension. They might try to break up the main couple by spreading rumors or causing misunderstandings. Also, environmental factors can be a source of external conflict. A natural disaster or a difficult living situation, like poverty or living in a war - torn area, can put stress on the relationship and force the couple to face challenges outside of their feelings for each other.

One common conflict idea is the class difference. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is from a middle - class family while Mr. Darcy is from the upper class. Their different social standings create misunderstandings and obstacles in their relationship. Another is the conflict of personal goals. If one character wants to pursue a career far away and the other wants to stay in their hometown, it can cause a rift. Also, family opposition can be a big conflict. Parents may not approve of the relationship due to various reasons like cultural differences or past family feuds.