Romance is a great spice to all sorts of stories, and in this episode your hosts Nick and Tim talk romantic subplots, action hero damsels in distress, love triangles, and all manner of relational drama.
Then, in the resurrection of Crackpot's Corner, Tim shares some plot ideas he received from dreams, including an intriguing political thriller filled with presidential doubles and, somehow, Neil Patrick Harris.
Join us for Episode 53! Come on. You know you love us.
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Since I'm a girl, I have to express my appreciation for your sophisticated discussion of this juicy topic. ;) I'm totally with you on the matter that romance side plots aren't always done well, sometimes seeming trope-ish and cheesy. Very neat that one of the differences is "Does this character do anything else in the story?" or "Is this romance otherwise important to the plot?" I think also that one contributing factor to a convincing romantic side plot is its believability. Does it make emotional sense? Why are these two characters falling in love? What are they attracted to in each other? If these were real people, would they fall in love in real life? Not that it would be a smart match, necessarily, since negative chemistry provides plenty of material for conflict and for the story to continue. But it happens all the time. Despite the fact that I'm a girl and therefore intrinsically interested in romance, I'm plenty disgusted by implausible romance! And plenty enraptured when it's convincing. Especially in real life.
ReplyDeleteI think also that that bears on the business of love triangles. Very interesting point that it's just plain painful. Seriously, though, how do love triangles operate in real life? Do you know of any? The closest realistic one I can think of is if I have a crush on a guy that's otherwise paired. Or an affair?... Either way, when is a love triangle convincing in a story if it's not typically genuine in real life?
Anway, thanks again, Tim and Nick!