Changing Reader Expectations: The Triangle

For some time now, readers have been letting authors and publishers know that the love triangle, the “torn between two lovers” motif just isn’t working in the inspirational market. Readers—especially book buyers—are increasingly turning away from this time-honored plot.

Why?

The easiest explanation has to do with changing reader expectations.

The love triangle grew out of a time when a number of suitors paid call on a young woman of marriageable age. It was a time when love played only a small part in matchmaking, and parents had as much say about the man their daughter would marry. Inevitable conflict arose between the interests of the lady’s heart and the concerns of her family.

Likewise, the Triangle still works in some historical contexts. A skilled author can use unusual and unexpected twists to bring such a tale to a satisfactory conclusion.

In more contemporary settings (or in the hands of a less experienced author), the Triangle annoys the modern reader who…

1. Prefers characters to be strong and decisive. Triangles make characters look indecisive and illogical. Readers today prefer well-defined characters who have backbones: they like women and men who have goals and dreams and are willing to fight for them. Even if they struggle with their faith or some internal journey, characters should be able to make a decision and stick with it. They can struggle WITH love, but not about WHICH love.
2. Prefers plots to be about current concerns. The primary demographic for most romance novels are married women. They want to identify with the heroine and fall in love with the hero. They want the main characters to have struggles similar to their own: jobs, family issues, finances.
3. Prefers characters to have faithful hearts. This one is huge. In today’s world, a triangle usually ends with someone being unfaithful. This builds in the expectation for the reader that an author has to overcome in order for an inspirational novel to work.

While the Triangle is a familiar motif, it’s one that’s fallen out of favor. As a novelist, push your creativity to the next level and draw your readers in with something fresh.