The Love Triangle Trope isn’t Bad, it’s just Misunderstood
Confession time: I love the love triangle trope. The tension and drama whisk me away on an emotional rollercoaster, adding layers of complexity to a story that keeps me turning pages well into the night. While many readers love to hate on this trope, I believe it’s simply misunderstood. As someone who gravitates toward it in my books, films, and TV shows, I’ve definitely seen it go wrong—but when it’s done right, a love triangle creates a story that’s impossible to resist.
What is a Love Triangle?
A love triangle involves one person torn between two potential love interests—a tug-of-war of the protagonist’s heart as they struggle to determine which love is right for them, or which love they truly deserve.
Love triangles come in different forms:
The unrequited love scenario, where one person’s feelings aren’t returned, but they’re still part of the equation.
Mutual attraction, where all three parties are entangled in one way or another, leading to a more intense and heartbreaking decision.
The classic setup, essentially a Love V—the protagonist (at the center of that V) has two equally enticing romantic interests, leaving readers guessing until the very end who they might choose.
Examples of Successful Love Triangles
One of my favorite love triangles in literature is in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Katniss has a soft spot for Gale, her steadfast companion from home, but then Peeta enters her universe as her fellow competitor who understands the trauma of the Games like no one else can. Gale and Peeta represent different aspects of Katniss’s life. While she may cling to Gale, wishing she could just be an ordinary girl from District 12, who she eventually becomes throughout the story is someone only Peeta could understand (and the fact that he’s got rizz and has had a thing for her for years only adds to that conflict). Coming to terms with what she endured is not easy, and neither is her decision—which keeps us engaged until the very end.
Another great example is One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The protagonist, Emma, is faced with an impossible choice when her husband (who was presumed dead) returns shortly before she plans to remarry. The love triangle here isn’t just about these two amazing men who love her and whom she loves—it’s about Emma’s journey of self-discovery. What version of herself does she want to carry forward into her future?
Sometimes, tropes fall into a classic setup, but it’s refreshing to find books or media that go beyond the expected, especially in response to how our society evolves. The love triangle trope was pushed to the forefront earlier this year when the movie Challengers came out. In it, Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor are entangled in a web of emotional and sexual desire for each other. It was a true love triangle (not just a Love V). I personally love seeing the love triangle done where those typical dynamics are altered, and we get diverse pairings that break away from traditional gender norms. This shift adds layers of complexity to the relationships, upping those emotional stakes even more.
What Makes a Love Triangle Work?
I totally understand that not everyone shares my enthusiasm for the love triangle. It can sometimes feel like pure wish fulfillment, with a protagonist torn between two perfect choices (and, in many instances, never encouraged to do some soul-searching and work on themselves solo instead of partnering up). A love triangle that’s thrown in for the sake of drama not only has little impact on the book and can even detract from the story. There’s also the issue of predictability. The romance genre is designed to be predictable in some ways—an HEA or HFN (happily ever after or happy for now) is required, after all—but we readers still love to be surprised and delighted by the characters. If it’s obvious from the start which person the protagonist will end up with, it’s hard to feel invested in the pressure of that choice.
For a love triangle to shine, I love to see:
Rich, interesting characters who grow and change. If the characters involved lack their own individual arcs and motivations, the triangle quickly becomes flat, unconvincing, and just too convenient for the story. When every character has their own lives, desires, and stakes in the relationship beyond "winning" the protagonist’s love, this trope works well.
Unavoidable emotional stakes. The love triangle has the power to heighten tension and drama, and we should sense the gravity of the protagonist’s decision. This isn’t just about choosing between two hot characters; it’s about what each person represents for the main character’s future. The decision should be one they rightfully agonize over, and that’s what keeps us glued to the page.
A balance to the triangle. If one love interest is clearly the "right" choice from page one (for example, one character is a total jerk while the other is a perfect dreamboat), the tension sizzles away, and the story becomes kind of boring. The love triangle trope works best when all parties have a fair shot at being part of the happily ever after. This not only makes the eventual resolution satisfying, but it makes the book feel like a journey rather than a predetermined outcome.
Side note: The frustration some people feel with this trope has led some to seek out books with the "Why Choose?" trope, where the protagonist doesn’t have to pick just one love interest but instead forms a relationship with both (or all) of them. This approach tosses aside the need for a heart-wrenching choice and instead explores the dynamics of polyamorous relationships. These books give us the chance to see the diverse ways love can be experienced in today’s world. I didn’t focus on "Why Choose?" for this post, just the love triangle, but know that this trope exists and is one to explore if you’re so inclined!
Conclusion: Embracing the Love Triangle
Don’t believe the hate—the love triangle is a rewarding, drama-filled trope that can add so much depth to a story. I can’t get enough angst and tension, but what I truly adore about this trope is watching a character genuinely struggle with their choice. Their decision is about more than picking a partner—it’s about deciding which path to go down and which version of themselves to become, and that’s something almost anyone can relate to!
ps interested in some Love Triangle book recs? This Reddit post has some great recommendations.
