Romantic Rivals
Even the most compelling romances can feel predictable. Readers often assume the main couple will end up together, no matter the obstacles. To raise the stakes and keep audiences guessing, introduce a romantic rival—a character who could legitimately be “the one” for your protagonist.
Are they essential?
Not every story requires a love triangle. But if your plot lacks tension or emotional complexity, a rival can inject conflict and uncertainty. A well-crafted rival challenges the protagonist’s loyalty to the love interest, casting doubt on their “happily ever after.”
The key? Make the rival viable but flawed. They should feel like a credible alternative to the love interest while subtly falling short in ways that matter to your protagonist. Take Mr. Wickham in Pride and Prejudice: charming and initially appealing, he contrasts with Mr. Darcy’s integrity, ultimately revealing himself as untrustworthy and flawed.
strengths and Weaknesses
A rival needs more than good looks or success—traits the love interest likely already possesses. Instead, give them opposing qualities that highlight the love interest’s strengths (or flaws).
In Bridget Jones’s Diary, Daniel Cleaver (Bridget’s charming but selfish boss) contrasts sharply with Mark Darcy (reserved yet kind):
| Mark Darcy | Daniel Cleaver |
|---|---|
| Hardworking | Easygoing |
| Bluntly honest | Smooth-talking |
| Selfless | Self-centered |
Avoid overloading the rival with negative traits. Subtle differences—like conflicting values or lifestyles—create intrigue. Let the protagonist’s opinion of the rival evolve, sparking tension as the love interest’s disdain grows.
Chemistry = Conflict
The rival and protagonist should share undeniable chemistry that sizzles whenever they’re together , although not as electric as the protagonist’s bond with the love interest. Use this dynamic to:
- Create jealousy (e.g., staged “coincidental” encounters).
- Force the love interest to fight harder for the protagonist.
- Challenge the protagonist’s assumptions about what they want.
For extra drama, let the rival’s feelings inspire positive change (e.g., a selfish character becomes generous). This raises the stakes: Could they actually be a better match?
unfixable Flaws
To justify why the protagonist ultimately rejects the rival, give them a deal-breaking flaw. This flaw should conflict with the protagonist’s core needs. Examples:
- Chronic immaturity
- Inability to commit long-term
- Misaligned values
The protagonist’s realization of this flaw should feel like a “what was I thinking?” moment that reaffirms why the love interest is the right choice.
keep an open-mind
Sometimes, the rival steals the story. If your protagonist’s chemistry with them feels more authentic, don’t force the original pairing. If it works better with the love rival, go with the flow.
Final Thoughts
A nuanced romantic rival adds layers of tension, doubt, and emotional depth. They don’t need a happy ending in the story you’re writing now, but if they steal readers’ hearts, consider giving them their own story down the line.
