“From Enemies to Lovers: The Story Tropes You Didn't Know You Loved (And How They Keep Haunting Us)"

Narrative tropes are those recurring elements in stories that captivate us and keep us coming back for more. Whether it’s a love born out of hate or an unexpected revelation that turns everything on its head, there are reasons why certain tropes continue to be used and loved for generations. But why do we love these narrative tropes so much? Why, despite the predictability, do we continue to devour stories that always seem the same? Well, the answer might surprise you.

In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular tropes, analyze their effect on us, and discover what makes them irresistible. Don't worry: it'll be a fun and curious journey!

1. Enemies to Lovers: From hate comes love (aka “I hate you but I can't stop thinking about you”)

One of the most loved and used tropes is definitely “enemies to lovers”. Two characters who start out hating each other and then fall madly in love? We’ve all been there! And yet, we can’t help it.

This trope works because it plays on the idea that love and hate are two intense emotions, often intertwined. When characters start arguing, a palpable tension develops that eventually turns into attraction. Often, these characters are the ones who have undeniable chemistry, and their transition from “I can’t stand you” to “I can’t live without you” is as compelling as it is cathartic.

Famous examples:

• Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. They initially dislike each other, but their relationship soon develops into a fascinating romance.
• Kat and Patrick in 10 Things I Hate About You . Classic teen movie that makes the most of the enemies to lovers trope with lots of memorable scenes of arguments and very sweet moments.

Why it works:

This trope appeals to us because it makes the emotional journey of the characters intriguing. It's a trope that promises growth and vulnerability, while showing us how people can change and find love where they least expect it. Plus, it's always fun to see characters exchange sharp quips before giving in to attraction!

2. Friends to Lovers: Love was right there, under your nose!

Another classic: two friends who discover they are meant to be together. This trope plays on the idea of ​​safety and familiarity, often offering stories with a gentler pace and less drama than the previous one.

Often the characters have known each other for a long time, have lived significant experiences together and, almost by chance, realize that their love was there all along. It is the love that is built with patience and perseverance, not through immediate fireworks.

Famous examples:

• Harry and Sally in When Harry Met Sally . Friends for years, they slowly discover that they are made for each other.
• Ron and Hermione in Harry Potter . Two friends who have known each other since childhood and who, as they grow up, develop a romantic bond.

Why it works:

This trope makes us dream because it tells of love as a gradual discovery, based on mutual respect and deep understanding of the other. It is reassuring to think that love can grow slowly, without haste, based on trust. And it is incredibly sweet to see two people who, after years, realize that they cannot do without each other.

3. Fake Relationship: Pretending to love each other… until it becomes true

Who hasn't seen or read a story where two characters pretend to be engaged for some absurd reason? It's the classic trope where, by pretending to be together, the characters end up actually falling in love.

This dynamic is incredibly funny because it starts with a lie that often leads to embarrassing or hilarious situations. Eventually, the fiction becomes reality, and true love takes over.

Famous examples:

• To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. Lara Jean and Peter pretend to be engaged for various reasons… but reality takes a different turn.
• The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. A fake relationship that turns into a real love story.

Why it works:

The appeal of this trope is the irony of watching two people fake intimacy that becomes real. The viewers or readers enjoy every moment of romantic tension, knowing that sooner or later, real feelings will emerge. There is something magical about watching two characters forced to “play” at being in love until they realize they are.

4. Love Triangle: The difficult choice between two hearts

If there's one trope that never ceases to divide audiences, it's the "love triangle." Two people (usually one more serious and trustworthy, and the other more passionate and adventurous) compete for the protagonist's love, thus creating one of the most classic conflicts in romantic fiction.

The love triangle is as frustrating as it is engaging: on the one hand you want the protagonist to make a decision, on the other hand you enjoy the drama and suspense of the choice.

Famous examples:

• Twilight with Bella, Edward and Jacob. Team Edward or Team Jacob? The debate has been raging for years!
• The Hunger Games with Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Katniss must choose between her best friend and the boy with whom she shared traumatic experiences in the arena.

Why it works:

This trope keeps us hooked because we've all felt like we were torn between two choices at some point. It's easy to identify with the protagonist's dilemma and the conflicting emotions he faces. And of course, there's always hope that the final choice will be the right one!

5. The Chosen One: You are the hero the world needs

One of the most common tropes in fantasy is that of the “chosen one.” The protagonist discovers that he has a special destiny, often tied to a prophecy or a unique power, and finds himself having to save the world.

This trope provides us with heroes we can relate to. Often these are ordinary people who are suddenly thrust into an extraordinary world and find themselves tasked with performing heroic deeds.

Famous examples:

• Harry Potter in Harry Potter . The Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One who must defeat Voldemort.
• Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings . Although not “chosen” by prophecy, Frodo is the only one who can bring the ring to Mordor.

Why it works:

The “chosen one” trope fascinates us because it speaks to the human desire to feel special and destined for something great. We watch the journey of these characters and ask, “What if that happened to me?” It’s a powerful fantasy that makes us dream of epic adventures and heroic responsibilities.

6. The "Cinnamon Roll" Character: The good guy that everyone wants to protect

The “cinnamon roll” is a sweet and pure character who deserves only the best and seems out of place in a harsh world. They are the kind of character you want to protect at all costs because they seem too good for the reality around them. This trope has gained popularity because it offers a stark contrast to the cruel or complex world they live in.

Famous examples:

• Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter . Initially shy and awkward, he becomes a quiet hero.
• Steve Rogers in Captain America . An honest and just man, who is not corrupted by the darkness of the world.

Why it works:

We love cinnamon rolls because they represent unconditional goodness. They remind us that even in a difficult world, kindness and integrity can prevail. These characters warm our hearts and give us hope.

7. Redemption Arc: From Darkness to Light

The “redemption arc” trope focuses on a character who starts the story as a bad or problematic character, but slowly changes and finds redemption. It’s one of the most powerful storylines because it reminds us that even the worst people can change and that everyone deserves a second chance.

Famous examples:

• Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender . He starts out as an enemy, but through a personal journey of growth and awareness, becomes a hero.
• Darth Vader in Star Wars . After years of darkness, Anakin Skywalker finds redemption in the saga's finale.

Why it works:

Redemption stories strike a chord. We believe that everyone can change and improve, and seeing a character go from darkness to light gives us a sense of hope and justice. Who doesn't love a good redemption, where the character reconciles with their past and becomes a force for good?

Conclusion: Why Do Tropes Enchant Us?

Ultimately, tropes are the foundation of our favorite stories. While they may seem predictable or recurring, the truth is that they offer us comfort and predictability in an often uncertain world. We are drawn to these narrative patterns because they speak to something universal within us: the desire to see love triumph, characters grow, and stories take us on an unforgettable emotional journey.

Next time you find yourself immersed in a story full of enemies to lovers or love triangles, stop for a moment and enjoy the timeless charm of these tropes. After all, they are what make stories so irresistible!