The Protagonist Only Thinks About Falling In Love

Okay, picture this: I’m reading this supposedly amazing fantasy novel everyone’s been raving about. Epic battles, mythical creatures, a world on the brink of destruction… and what does our brave hero spend 90% of his time doing? Mooning over the sassy tavern wench with the strategically placed dirt on her cheek. Like, dude, your kingdom is literally being devoured by shadow monsters! Get your priorities straight!

It got me thinking, you know? How often do we see this? The protagonist, embroiled in some grand, sweeping adventure, whose primary motivation, whose driving force, is… falling in love? Don't get me wrong, love is great. I personally love it. But sometimes it feels like lazy storytelling, a shortcut to create "relatability" when there are so many other, potentially more interesting, things to explore. (Are you nodding? I bet you're nodding.)

The Allure of the Love-Obsessed Protagonist

Let’s be honest, there’s a reason why this trope is so persistent. Love sells. Period. Publishers know it, authors know it, and we, the readers, often subconsciously expect it. A romantic subplot can add layers to a story, provide emotional depth, and offer moments of respite from the action. A character who’s vulnerable and longing for connection? We can relate to that! (Even if we’re not currently fighting dragons, hopefully).

But is it always Necessary?

That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? While a well-executed romance can enhance a narrative, shoehorning it in where it doesn't belong can detract from the overall impact. It can feel forced, contrived, and, frankly, a little bit insulting to our intelligence. Especially when the stakes are incredibly high. If the world is about to end, maybe finding your soulmate can wait until after you’ve saved everyone? Just a thought.

Think about it: You’re reading a sci-fi epic about humanity colonizing Mars. The oxygen supply is dwindling, there are mysterious alien artifacts to decipher, and the psychological toll on the isolated colonists is palpable. Do you really need a love triangle between the captain, the botanist, and the brooding engineer? I mean, maybe. But maybe not! Maybe, just maybe, the story could be equally compelling (or even more compelling) if it focused on the struggle for survival and the exploration of the unknown. (I'm sensing agreement again, am I right?).

The Problem with Prioritizing Romance Above All Else

So, what’s the harm in having a love-struck protagonist? Well, several things, actually:

• It diminishes the stakes: When a character's main concern is finding love, it can make the actual plot feel less important. Why should we care about the impending war when the hero is too busy composing love sonnets?
• It flattens the character: Reducing a character to their romantic desires often robs them of complexity and depth. They become defined by their infatuation, rather than their skills, ambitions, or flaws. (And let's face it, flaws are what make characters interesting, right?)
• It reinforces unrealistic expectations: Let's be real, life isn't a romantic comedy. Obsessively pursuing a romantic interest, especially when there are more pressing matters at hand, is rarely a recipe for success. (Unless you're in a rom-com, in which case, go for it!)
• It ignores other forms of love and connection: Love isn't just about romantic relationships. What about familial love, friendship, or even love for one's community or cause? Focusing solely on romance can neglect these equally important aspects of the human experience.

When it Works (and When it Doesn't)

Okay, I'm not saying romance never works. Of course, it does! There are plenty of stories where the romantic subplot is seamlessly integrated into the main narrative and enhances the overall experience. But there are definitely some telltale signs that it's being used as a crutch.

It Works When:

• The romance feels organic to the plot and character development.
• It's not the sole driving force behind the protagonist's actions.
• It explores themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and connection in a meaningful way.
• It doesn't overshadow the other important aspects of the story.

It Doesn't Work When:

• The romance feels forced or contrived. (Insta-love, anyone?)
• The protagonist's obsession with their love interest is completely disproportionate to the situation.
• The other characters are reduced to mere obstacles or accessories in the romantic pursuit.
• The romance is used as a cheap way to create conflict or resolution.

Let's be honest, insta-love is rarely ever believable. Is it really that hard to build a relationship, even a fictional one, with a little depth and complexity? Maybe have them bond over a shared trauma, a common goal, or a mutual hatred of something incredibly specific? I would read that! (Seriously, I would).

Examples in Media (The Good, the Bad, and the Cringey)

Let's look at some examples, shall we? (This is the fun part!).

• The Good: Think about The Lord of the Rings. Aragorn and Arwen's love story is beautiful and poignant, but it's not the center of the story. It adds emotional weight to Aragorn's struggle to reclaim his throne, but it doesn't overshadow the quest to destroy the One Ring.
• The Bad: I won't name names (mostly because I don't want to start a flame war), but there are plenty of young adult novels where the protagonist's entire existence seems to revolve around their love interest. The plot becomes secondary, and the characters become caricatures. (You know the ones I'm talking about!)
• The Cringey: Ever seen a character make a grand, sweeping declaration of love in the middle of a life-or-death situation? Yeah, me too. It's rarely as romantic as the writer intends. More often than not, it just feels awkward and out of place. (Unless it's intentionally played for laughs, in which case, carry on!).

Seriously though, interrupting a sword fight to confess your undying love? Not the time, my friend. Not the time.

Beyond Romance: Exploring Other Motivations

So, what are some alternatives to the love-obsessed protagonist? Plenty! Authors can explore a wide range of motivations, such as:

• A thirst for knowledge: A character driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world around them can be incredibly compelling.
• A desire for justice: A protagonist who is fighting for what they believe is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds, can be truly inspiring.
• A need for redemption: A character grappling with their past mistakes and striving to become a better person can be deeply relatable.
• A sense of duty: A protagonist who is committed to fulfilling their obligations, even at personal cost, can be admirable and complex.
• Simply wanting to survive: Sometimes, the most basic motivation can be the most compelling. A character fighting for their own survival, or the survival of their loved ones, can be incredibly gripping.

Imagine a protagonist driven by pure, unadulterated spite! Now that would be interesting. (Okay, maybe not every story should feature a spiteful protagonist, but you get my point!).

A Call to Action (for Writers and Readers Alike)

So, what can we do about this pervasive trope? Well, as readers, we can be more critical of the stories we consume and demand more complex and nuanced characters. We can support authors who are pushing boundaries and exploring alternative motivations. And as writers, we can challenge ourselves to create protagonists who are driven by more than just a desire for romance. We can dig deeper into their motivations, explore their flaws, and create characters who feel truly authentic and relatable.

Let's face it, there's a whole universe of stories out there waiting to be told. Let's not limit ourselves to the same old tropes. Let's embrace complexity, explore new possibilities, and create characters who are as diverse and multifaceted as the world around us. (And maybe, just maybe, let the love story take a backseat for once?).

What do you think? Am I being too harsh? Or are you as tired of the love-obsessed protagonist as I am? Let me know in the comments!