The Enduring Appeal of the 'Ugly Duckling' Transformation in Romance Books
As a teen, my favorite book series and movie was The Princess Diaries. I related to the main character, Mia Thermopolis, on a deep level—she was awkward, unpopular, insecure, and secret royalty (okay, I didn’t relate to the last part, but I definitely dreamed). Once she gets her princess makeover from Paolo, we also discover that, underneath all her frizzy hair, her wild unibrow, and behind those clunky glasses, is a conventionally attractive young woman!
Growing up in the 90s and early 2000s, I saw a lot of the transformation trope in films. She’s All That, anyone? But the ugly duckling trope has appeared in media in many forms, from the tale of Cinderella to Netflix’s Queer Eye to Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. The trope might appear outdated, but it’s here to stay—and that’s not an entirely bad thing, I promise!
I’ll be the first to admit that the Ugly Duckling trope has its faults, and it’s not one I gravitate towards regularly. Recently, I picked up a book where the female main character undergoes a sort of transformation: Melt for You by J.T. Geissinger. I wouldn’t have picked this up on my own, but it came from a writer friend’s recommendation, and I’m glad I read it. While I was hesitant, the main character’s transformation was wonderful to watch. Why? Because it wasn’t just about her outward appearance.
When focused purely on the aesthetic side of things, this trope can highlight superficial values, create a narrow definition of what “beautiful” looks like, and reinforce unrealistic beauty standards. The Ugly Duckling trope shines, though, when the transformation goes deeper than surface level. Yes, there’s still the physical appearance that changes, but when we get to see the character’s journey of self-discovery, we understand that the true beauty is on the inside, too.
The Ugly Duckling is a classic trope for a reason. We often put ourselves in the position of the protagonist, someone who’s a little unsure of themselves, or perhaps feels a bit out of place. Maybe they’re a bookworm with a messy bun in a world obsessed with boy bands and sleek ponytails. Then, cue the transformation—a makeover, a pivotal moment of self-discovery, or a blossoming of confidence that brings out the person’s hidden beauty. Our main character sees themselves in a new way, and other people to take notice, too.”
This core theme of transformation speaks to everyone. We’ve all thought of ourselves as the odd one out at some point, longing to shed our awkwardness, embrace our true selves, and become the beautiful butterflies we’re meant to be. Romance novels tap into that desire, offering a relatable path to overcoming insecurities and blossoming into the best versions of ourselves—a version that also pairs with finding a love interest who adores who we are on the inside. The change is about more than just a new haircut or a killer outfit; it’s about the empowering journey of self-acceptance and the realization that genuine beauty radiates from within.
And let’s be honest, there’s a hint of fairy tale magic in these kinds of transformation romance novels. Who wouldn’t want to undergo a change that unlocks a world of possibility, complete with some new romantic attention? This speaks to our desire for happy endings and gives us an underdog that triumphs with a happily ever after.
As beauty standards have become more realistic, as more non-white characters take center stage, and as more media highlights the beauty of every body, society has forced the Ugly Duckling to evolve. We’ve shifted from purely physical makeovers to a focus on emotional and intellectual growth, and I am here for it! We’re witnessing more diverse characters with more inclusive narratives, and this ensures that everyone can find a reflection of themselves within the pages of a romance book. Also, by shifting to celebrate inner beauty and self-worth, we get a more progressive view of attractiveness.
Because of the trope’s evolution, it’s definitely not going away soon. The ugly duckling trope tackles timeless themes of self-improvement, love, and acceptance—concepts that anyone can relate to. Plus, there’s an emotional satisfaction in witnessing a character’s transformation. We root for them, celebrate their growth, and revel in their happy ending, and that’s quite a beautiful thing!
