What are Romantic Characteristics Needed for Romance Novels?
One element of a romance novel that keeps readers turning the pages is the characters themselves.
Even more important is the protagonist, the chief player or the one who sets the pace for the unfolding of the story.
Editors and publishers of romance have strict guidelines as to what their protagonists must be like.
The romance field, like any other genre, is divided into subgenres: romantic suspense, contemporary romance, Regency and historical, to name a few.
Submission guidelines may vary according to the publisher and the subgenre.
Some, like Harlequin, may go so far as to require characters be of a certain age group.
As with any genre, the writer who wants to have her work accepted and, at the same time, win fans will do well to follow these guidelines carefully.
Some of the general characteristics of romance protagonists are:
• They are very pretty, or at least attractive to the opposite sex.
They must be well-groomed and have excellent taste in dress.
Scarlett O’hara in Gone With The Wind was not really beautiful, but was noted for her charm and her seventeen-inch waist.
She was much sought after by the men of the town.
• They are moral.
Again this depends on the subgenre.
If it’s a sensual or erotic romance, the protagonist may be a sleazy woman who doesn’t care about the choices she makes.
If it’s a faith-based romance, like Harlequin’s Love Inspired, the heroine is expected to be chaste and not indulge in sex before marriage.
If she is married, she will not have an adulterous relationship.
Romance readers (and editors) frown on that sort of thing.
• They are goal-oriented.
The romance protagonist should start the story by wanting something laudable that the reader would also want to see her achieve.
She may want to be a doctor, a lawyer or maybe help a friend or relative overcome some problem.
She usually falls in love during the process of pursuing her goals, i.e. the romance is not her primary goal.
Scarlett, despite her rash temperament, wants to keep Tara, the family estate, in the family.
• They are intelligent.
Even in historical time periods. when women were expected to keep silent and allow their husbands to reign over them, the heroine who is intelligent and independent-minded is the one who captures the reader’s imagination and heart.
Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice exemplifies this.
She has strong opinions and does not hesitate to voice them, which she sometimes later regrets.
Creating a memorable romance protagonist should not be difficult once you have her goal in mind.
Next, using the attributes above, try to become the character.
How would she react in certain situations?
Is she impulsive or careful, cold and calculating or warm hearted and caring?
Once you have all these characteristics worked out, you are on your way to creating a likeable protagonist.
About Angela Joseph
Angela Joseph writes fiction and non-fiction. Visit her online at:
www.angelasfreelancewriting.com
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Great information and breakdown of what the publishers will be looking for, Angela.