Ever finish a romance book and think, Why did I love this so much?
Was it the fake dating? The enemies-to-lovers tension? Or was it the grumpy sunshine couple that stole your heart?
If you’ve asked yourself that, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. Sometimes I think I’m obsessed with a certain trope… until I read another book with the same setup and feel nothing. So what’s going on?
It might not be the trope you love. It might be the character type inside the trope.
Let’s break it down together.
First, What’s a Trope?
A trope is a common storyline or setup in romance books. Think:
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Fake dating
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One bed
These are like the frameworks that shape the plot. They give us a sense of what to expect and build tension in familiar, comforting ways.
But the magic doesn’t stop there.
Characters Bring the Trope to Life
Inside every trope, there are characters who carry the emotion, drama, and spark. And here’s the truth I’ve learned:
The same trope can feel completely different depending on who’s living it.
Maybe you don’t just love enemies to lovers. Maybe you love a sharp-tongued heroine who never backs down. Or a soft-hearted rival who secretly pines from page one.
When you know what kind of character you connect with, you unlock a whole new way to choose your next read.
Ask Yourself These Questions
Here’s a little self-discovery checklist I like to go through:
1. Do I keep falling for the same kind of character?
Examples:
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The brooding alpha with a secret past
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The chaotic sunshine who talks non-stop and means well
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The stoic protector who slowly opens up
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The clever heroine who won’t let anyone mess with her
If this sounds familiar, you might be character-driven.
2. Do I get excited when I see a certain plot?
Let’s say you instantly tap read now when you see:
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“They’re pretending to be in love…”
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“They have to share a bed on a trip…”
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“He’s her brother’s best friend…”
Then you might be trope-driven. You love the situation and the tension it creates, no matter who the characters are.
3. What happens when the same trope feels flat?
This one’s key. If you start a new book with your favorite trope but you’re just not feeling it, look at the characters.
Maybe the personalities don’t click with you. Maybe the banter feels off. That’s a sign your heart follows the character more than the setup.
And that’s okay.
Fun Exercise: Character or Trope?
Let’s play a quick game. Think about the following and choose what excites you more.
A.) Fake dating
B.) A confident flirt paired with a shy love interest
A.) Enemies to lovers
B.) A villain with a redemption arc falling for a cinnamon roll
A.) Forced proximity
B.) A single dad falling for the quirky nanny
If you picked more Bs, chances are you’re a character lover. If more As made your heart race, you’re probably trope-focused.
Me? I’m a mix of both. But I realized that if the characters don’t grab me, the trope can’t save the story.
Why This Matters (And Makes Reading Better)
Understanding your preferences can help you:
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Find books you actually enjoy
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Stop wasting time on stories that don’t click
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Learn more about what makes you feel connected
It’s like dating, honestly. You’re figuring out what lights you up and what doesn’t. The more you know, the better your next book pick will be.
Final Thoughts
Romance books are full of amazing tropes and unforgettable characters. But not every combination will work for you—and that’s part of the fun.
So next time you fall in love with a story, take a moment to ask: Was it the setup or the soul inside it? Did I swoon for the situation, or did the character steal the show?
There’s no right answer. Only more great books waiting for you to discover them.
