Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. Bella, Edward, and Jacob. Elizabeth Bennet, George Wickham, and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
What is it about these hopeless trios that are destined to end in heartbreak? Why are we so captivated by the angst and strife these characters must endure? (I know, I know, that sounded like it came out of romance novel. Which isn’t a bad thing!)
Here’s a couple reasons why I get sucked into love triangles:
1. I naturally choose someone I want to prevail. When there’s an odd number, you’re kind of forced to choose. Usually I feel terrible for one of them, but everyone likes choosing a team.
2. There’s so much at stake! Whose heart will be broken? The vampire or the werewolf? The humble gentleman or the black-leather-wearing bad boy? So many questions! No matter who the protagonist is (Okay, it’s probably going to be a girl, let’s be honest), when they choose their true love/boyfriend/supernatural being, it doesn’t come without a cost. 
3. Usually the two suitors have some sort of dramatic face-off. Remember that part in Phantom of the Opera (I know we're getting into cinema triangles now) when Phantom traps Raoul? That was such an important moment. The phantom eventually released him, thus letting Christine and him live happily ever after—and we saw that the phantom really did have compassion. So yes, I like that spectacular moment when the two suitors confront each other and battle it out. In my novel I have a few different love triangles that intermix with each other. I’ll do a post soon about the different characters and you can tell me your first impressions.
I’m fascinated by love triangles because you know there is going to be a lot of internal conflicts mixed in with the external conflicts. And it’s always scandalous, right? And I don’t mean that in a dirty way (haha).
What are your favorite love triangles? Who do you root for in these trios?
Zach says Han Solo, Leia and Luke. My vote has to be The Notebook! I never noticed the love triangle connection in movies and literature, but I'm always looking for that in the story line!!! I love it!!
ReplyDeleteTausha,
ReplyDeleteyes Zach is right! Even Star Wars has a great love triangle. And now I want to watch the Notebook. Noah and Allie and the prince from enchanted (I forgot his character name) create the perfect heartbreak trio.
It's fascinating love triangles because it brings excitement and confusion to who will end up with who.
ReplyDeletePeeta, Katniss, and Gale has to be my favorite.
Cassandra,
ReplyDeleteYes! You're right. There is this sort of rush of excitement to who will end up with who. Especially when there's characters who have feelings for multiple prospects.