The best stories feature characters who have a reason not to be in a relationship. Perhaps they are afraid of vulnerability, haunted by a past betrayal, or focused entirely on a non-romantic goal. The romance serves as the catalyst for them to face their own flaws.
Whether you are a novelist, screenwriter, or simply a person trying to understand your own relationship history, the principles are the same. The best stories feature characters who have a
: Successful stories establish a spark or rapport—sometimes through a "slow burn"—before moving into a formal relationship. haunted by a past betrayal
Creating Romantic Tension in Your Novel - Between the Lines Editorial The best stories feature characters who have a