The ultimate writer's guide to the Fated Mates trope

What is the Fated Mates trope?

The Fated Mates trope is a narrative device commonly found in paranormal, fantasy, and romance genres, where two characters are predestined to be together, often due to supernatural, magical, or cosmic reasons. This bond is usually depicted as being both irresistible and inevitable, transcending mere attraction to imply a deeper, often soul-level connection.

Characteristics of the Fated Mates trope

This trope explores themes of destiny, the power of love, and the idea that some relationships are meant to be. It's characterized by an immediate, intense connection between the characters, which may be explained by prophecy, magic, or biological imperatives in paranormal settings. The relevance of the Fated Mates trope in fiction lies in its romanticism of love as an unstoppable force and its exploration of the tension between free will and destiny. Its prevalence, particularly in genres that allow for the exploration of fantastical elements, speaks to its appeal in imagining a world where love is both a mystery and a certainty.

Where did the Fated Mates trope come from?

The concept of destined lovers has roots in mythology and folklore, with stories of gods, stars, or fate itself decreeing certain individuals to be bound together. In literature, this trope has evolved from fairy tales and epic sagas where destiny plays a key role in the heroes' journeys. In modern times, the trope has found a particular stronghold in paranormal romance, where supernatural elements provide a new context for exploring the dynamics of predestined love.

Genres & the Fated Mates trope

• Paranormal Romance: Predominantly features, often involving werewolves, vampires, or other supernatural beings bound by destiny.
• Fantasy: Utilizes magical or mythical justifications for the deep bond between characters.
• Science Fiction: Sometimes appears with a twist, using genetic matching or cosmic alignment to justify fated connections.
• Young Adult (YA): Explores fated relationships with an emphasis on destiny and self-discovery.

Cross-genre Usage: While rarer outside its mainstays, the trope can be adapted to non-fantasy contexts, such as historical or contemporary romance, through the notion of soulmates or serendipitous meetings that feel destined.

Examples of the Fated Mates trope

• "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas: A high fantasy series where the concept of fated mates plays a crucial role in the plot and character development.
• "The Black Dagger Brotherhood" series by J.R. Ward: Features vampire warriors and their destined partners, exploring the complexities of accepting or resisting the fated mate bond.
• "Dracula" by Bram Stoker: While not explicitly using the trope, the novel hints at a profound, destiny-driven connection between Dracula and Mina.
• Greek mythology stories, such as the tale of Eros (Cupid) and Psyche, where divine intervention and fated love overcome trials and tribulations.

How to use the Fated Mates trope in creative ways

• Avoiding Clichés: Develop the relationship beyond instant attraction, exploring how fated mates grow, challenge, and choose each other beyond destiny's mandate.
• Innovative Twists: Subvert expectations by having characters resist or question the bond, explore the implications of being fated to someone they initially dislike or distrust, or introduce a scenario where the characters must work to be together despite their fated status.
• Character and Plot Integration: Use the fated mates concept to explore themes of free will, consent, and destiny. How does knowing they are destined affect the characters' choices and growth?
• Examples of Creative Use: Introduce a world where fated mates are common, but the protagonists are the first to challenge the system; or, characters who are fated mates with competing destinies must find a way to reconcile their future together with their obligations.

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