Whether you’re writing a romance-based novel or you’re writing a story that includes some level of romance in it, you’ve likely already stumbled upon the love triangle trope. The love triangle trope is one of the most popular ones and was used a lot in YA fiction for a good number of years–we can all thank Twilight for that. But love triangles can sometimes be annoying or may not be as exciting as the writer intended for them to be. A lot of the time, love triangles turn people away. Alright then, how does one write a good love triangle? Well, let’s take a closer look:
Also check out my article on writing a good enemies-to-lovers story!
What is a Love Triangle?
A love triangle means literally what it sounds like. There is a person who is torn between two other people. Typically, the main focus of the love triangle is a female protagonist and the two ends of the triangle are the main male characters. There’s typically a bit of a rivalry between the two male characters as they fight for the love of the female character.
Love triangles have been observed in literature and entertainment in general for a long time. There is a sense of heightened excitement when two characters seem to need to fight over one central person. There is also a sense of excitement looking at the female character as she’s being fought over by two male characters. Whatever the underlying reason behind why we love love triangles so much, it’s undeniable that it’s a popular trope.
Often times, the love triangle features a male character who the female character seems to obviously be impartial to from the very beginning. Take Twilight for example. Sure, Bella fawns over Jacob a bit, but it’s very obvious and very clear that she’s much more interested in Edward from the very beginning.
Some love triangles are a bit more balanced. The Hunger Games saw Katniss being obviously torn between Peeta and Gale, with her finding no qualms in kissing Gale and Peeta within the same book. She’s very torn, but ultimately she does pick one.
YA fantasy and sci-fi saw a big boom in the popularity of the love triangle trope. We had stories like The Selection, Matched, The Hunger Games, Maze Runner, etc… all employ some level of a love triangle system. Some were obviously better than others, as is evidenced by a greater presence in pop culture for some of them. So, let’s analyze a bit more about what makes a good love triangle.
What Makes a Good Love Triangle?
1. Good Character Development is Key
One of the biggest and most important factors in a proper love triangle is character development for all the characters involved in this triangle. There are some love triangles where I’ve noticed that one love interest character gets significantly more development than the other. Obviously, no reader will be invested in the less-developed guy, right?
Spend a proper amount of time on each member of the love triangle. You want to show the readers why they need to be invested in this love triangle, so you need to give them people to root for. The key word here is “people,” not stereotypes, caricatures, etc…
Typically, what I’ve noticed is that female main characters at the center of this love fiasco tend to be shallow, kinda stupid, and not very cool. I’m not saying that she needs to be like a ninja who can beat up a giant or anything–though, if you want to write that go right on ahead–but don’t remind me every five pages how your MC is “weak and fragile” or “cute and small.” Guys, please, let’s leave this era behind on Wattpad, OK?
2. Building Tension is Super Important
One of the things that makes a good love triangle a good love triangle is the idea of building tension. The idea of tension in romance is basically when the characters clearly want to be in love or they are trying to be together, but there are very large obstacles hindering any potential of a relationship for them. These obstacles can cause things like anger, frustration, and other negatively charged emotions.
By building tension in a love triangle, you showcase why/why not a particular character may be able to be with the other character. It also adds more excitement and anticipation for your readers, who will be extremely invested in how those obstacles are overcome.
3. Have the Protagonist Choose Someone, but Throw Some Curveballs in There!
The protagonist will likely be pursuing someone from the beginning like in Twilight, or they may be choosing someone once the second love interest shows up. However you choose to introduce the love triangle pieces, that’s up to you. However, have the protagonist basically actively pursue somebody and try to be with them. And then throw a curveball or two in there.
By curveball, the rival love interest suddenly getting close to the protagonist is one idea. This curveball should present some sort of challenge to the other actively pursued love interest.
4. Make the Reader Root for Both Love Interests
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen in love triangles is that the readers will root for one side the entire time because the author literally gives NO REASONS why you should root for the other side. This is annoying and it makes the love triangle just a thing tacked on for the sake of tacking it on. Case-in-point, it’s a bad love triangle if you root only for one.
So, what’s the resolution? Make sure your readers love both characters. Show the readers that both options are actually viable and that one option is not the most obvious pick. Give the readers two teams that they root for. Just because you root for one side doesn’t mean that the other side can be demonized the entire book. That’s not a love triangle anymore.
5. Don’t Make it Obvious the Entire Book
One of the most annoying things in a love triangle is summed up perfectly by this Reddit user:
“It’s about when it’s discussed directly. “Two people like me, what should I do?” is annoying. It falls under the show don’t tell umbrella but for some reason telling relationships is especially annoying for me.” (u/keep_trying_username).
And that’s precisely the thing that gets really annoying in love triangles. A love triangle doesn’t need to be shoved down the reader’s throat on every page. That’s not entertaining, that’s just annoying.
Be subtle about it, guys. Write it naturally. Stop telling me that you’re writing a love triangle and just show me that you’re writing a love triangle.
6. Present Real Conflict, Not Just Love Conflict
When you’re writing a story with a love triangle in it, present real and external conflicts that impact the main character. The conflict of your story cannot and should not solely revolve around a love triangle problem. You need to build a story, at the end of the day.
And this is pretty important and I want you all to pay close attention to this thing I’m about to say: your love triangle is not the only thing in your story!!!!
Yeah, pay attention to that. The love triangle exists as an element and an aspect of your story. Even if your story is under the romance genre, there has to be more going on than just a romance, you know what I mean? Talk about the other conflicts. Present real obstacles and issues in the world surrounding the main character.
Ignore the Negativity Towards Love Triangles
I’ve noticed this a lot too, but many writers will often say to not write love triangles. Many argue that they’re predictable, overdone, and boring. While they are rightfully valid in their arguments–and I personally do not like writing love triangles–they do not represent everyone and they do not represent all readers.
There is an audience for every type of story, so don’t feel discouraged if you want to write something that interests you. There will be an audience for you too.
Before you head on out, check out my series The Fallen Age Saga. You can buy my books over on Amazon as well!