The ultimate writer's guide to the Forbidden Love trope

What is the Forbidden Love trope?

The Forbidden Love trope involves a romantic relationship between two characters that society, family, or some external circumstances deem inappropriate or unacceptable. This taboo aspect creates tension and conflict within the narrative, as the characters must navigate the challenges and consequences of their relationship.

Characteristics of the Forbidden Love trope

This trope delves into the themes of desire, societal norms, and the lengths to which individuals will go for love. It's characterized by the lovers' struggle against external forces that seek to keep them apart, highlighting the intensity and resilience of their love. Forbidden Love is categorized as such due to its exploration of the conflict between societal expectations and personal happiness, making it a powerful narrative tool for examining cultural, social, and moral dilemmas. Its prevalence in fiction underscores the universal appeal of love stories that defy the odds, offering commentary on the human condition and the societal boundaries that shape our experiences of love.

Where did the Forbidden Love trope come from?

Rooted in ancient mythology and classic literature, Forbidden Love is a timeless theme that reflects the tension between individual desires and social conventions. From the star-crossed lovers in "Romeo and Juliet" to the tragic tales in Greek mythology, this trope has evolved to reflect changing societal norms and attitudes towards romance and relationships. Its enduring popularity highlights the ongoing relevance of questions about authority, identity, and the power of love to challenge the status quo.

Genres & the Forbidden Love trope

• Romance: Central to its exploration of love under adversity.
• Historical Fiction: Offers a canvas for exploring love constrained by historical societal norms.
• Fantasy and Science Fiction: Allows for the creation of unique worlds with their own sets of rules regarding relationships.
• Young Adult (YA): Reflects the intense emotions and conflicts of coming of age, including challenging societal or familial expectations.

Cross-genre Usage: This trope is also found in thrillers and mysteries, where the forbidden aspect of the relationship can add layers of suspense and intrigue to the plot.

Examples of the Forbidden Love trope

• "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell: Explores the relationship between two teenagers from different backgrounds, highlighting societal and familial pressures.
• "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern: Features a magical competition and a romance that defies the rules set by their mentors and the magical world they inhabit.
• "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare: Perhaps the quintessential example, showcasing the tragic consequences of a love that defies familial feuds.
• "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë: Explores the destructive and passionate love between Catherine and Heathcliff, hindered by social class and expectations.

How to use the Forbidden Love trope in creative ways

• Avoiding Clichés: Provide unique and compelling reasons for the relationship to be forbidden, moving beyond common societal or cultural prohibitions to explore deeper ethical, philosophical, or personal dilemmas.
• Innovative Twists: Subvert expectations by challenging traditional narratives of tragedy and despair with endings or developments that offer hope, reconciliation, or a critique of the forces that deem the love forbidden.
• Character and Plot Integration: Develop the characters' internal conflicts and motivations deeply, ensuring that their love and the obstacles they face are integral to their growth and the story's thematic exploration.
• Examples of Creative Use: A story where the forbidden aspect comes from a futuristic society's laws against relationships formed without genetic compatibility testing. Alternatively, explore a romance between characters from rival factions or worlds where their love could bridge the divide and challenge the reasons for their separation.