When a character is not defined by their romantic interests, their personal agency takes center stage. In narratives that eschew romance—such as
Forbidden relationships have been a staple of literature for centuries, with examples ranging from ancient Greek tragedies to modern-day bestsellers. In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , the titular characters' families, the Montagues and Capulets, have a long-standing feud that makes their love impossible. Similarly, in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice , Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's social differences and family obligations threaten to tear them apart. When a character is not defined by their
For decades, the "B-plot" of almost every action or adventure film was a burgeoning romance. By making relationships the titular characters' families