The ultimate writer's guide to the Fake Dating trope
What is the Fake Dating Turns Real trope?
The Fake Dating Turns Real trope involves two characters who, for various reasons, decide to pretend they are in a romantic relationship. This arrangement might be for a social advantage, to make someone else jealous, to gain an inheritance, among other reasons. Over time, this pretend relationship starts to reveal genuine feelings, leading to a real romantic connection between the two characters.
Characteristics of the Fake Dating Turns Real trope
This trope explores themes of love, authenticity, and the nature of relationships. It's characterized by the evolution of the characters' feelings as they navigate the complexities of their arrangement, often leading to moments of jealousy, realization, intimacy, and ultimately, genuine love. The relevance of this trope in fiction lies in its exploration of how forced proximity and acting out a relationship can break down walls and lead to unexpected emotional developments. Its prevalence underscores a fascination with the idea that love can grow from deception, highlighting the unpredictable nature of romantic attraction.
Where did the Fake Dating Turns Real trope come from?
While the origins of this trope are hard to pinpoint in literature, its popularity surged with the rise of romantic comedies in film and television during the late 20th century. The trope reflects societal interest in the dynamics of relationships and the idea that love can emerge from the most unexpected situations, resonating with audiences who enjoy seeing the development of romance through unconventional means.
Genres & the Fake Dating Turns Real trope
- Romance: Predominantly features in romance novels, where the progression from pretend love to real love is a central theme.
- Young Adult (YA): Common in YA fiction, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of teenage relationships.
- Romantic Comedy: Utilized in both literature and film for its potential to create humorous and awkward situations.
- Contemporary Fiction: Appears in stories set in modern settings, where social and personal pressures can drive characters into a fake relationship.
Cross-genre Usage: While most prevalent in romance-oriented stories, this trope can also be found in fantasy, historical fiction, and other genres where the dynamics of a pretend relationship can add depth to the narrative or characters.
Examples of the Fake Dating trope
- "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" by Jenny Han: A YA novel where a teenage girl's fake relationship with a boy, initially started to hide her feelings for another, develops into genuine love.
- "The Unhoneymooners" by Christina Lauren: Features protagonists who engage in a fake relationship during a free honeymoon trip, leading to real feelings.
How to use the Fake Dating trope in creative ways
- Avoiding Clichés: Craft unique reasons for the fake relationship beyond the typical scenarios, such as for a social experiment, a business deal, or as part of a bet with high stakes.
- Innovative Twists: Introduce external challenges or complications that test the fake relationship in unexpected ways, forcing the characters to confront their feelings sooner or in more complex situations.
- Character and Plot Integration: Develop the characters' backstories and motivations for agreeing to the fake relationship, ensuring that their eventual emotional journey feels earned and authentic.
- Examples of Creative Use: A story where the characters must extend their fake dating scenario to a fake marriage for inheritance reasons, diving deeper into the complexities of their relationship. Or, a narrative where the entire community is in on the secret, adding layers of comedy and social commentary.
