: Each lead should have an internal flaw or "wound" that prevents them from finding love at the start. Their growth throughout the story should be what finally makes the relationship possible.
: Give each character a Goal, Motivation, and Conflict that exists independently of the romance.
Writing a romantic storyline requires balancing intense emotional chemistry with realistic character growth. In professional romance writing, the relationship is often treated as the "third protagonist," with its own arc that evolves alongside the individual leads. 1. Build the Foundation: Compelling Leads
Readers often use tropes as a "hook" to find stories they enjoy. The Structure of Romance - DIY MFA