〈Novel Structure, Narration, Rhetoric, and Psychological Analysis〉–– Introduction to International Novel Works and Theoretical Analysis (Volume I) 11

Part Two, Chapter Seven

On the Craft of Romance Fiction

I. Definition of Romance Fiction

Romance fiction is a category of fiction that takes romantic love as its primary subject matter, centering on the emotional development, conflicts, and eventual outcomes between a couple—traditionally a man and a woman, though other gender combinations are increasingly common. Such novels may reflect romantic fantasies, portray realistic emotional dilemmas, or even explore deeper social issues through the lens of love.

At its core, romance fiction focuses on the depiction of emotional relationships. It typically traces the protagonists’ journey from meeting and mutual understanding to falling in love, followed by various obstacles, culminating in either the fulfillment or the failure of the romantic relationship.

II. Characteristics of Romance Fiction

• Central Conflict: Arises from internal factors (personality, values) or external forces (society, family, historical context).
• Narrative Style: May range from realistic to highly romanticized or idealized.
• Types of Endings: Generally categorized as a Happy Ending (HE) or a Bad Ending (BE), though some works favor an Open Ending (OE).

Representative Works:

• Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) — Depicts social class and romantic values in nineteenth-century England.
• Romeo and Juliet (William Shakespeare) — Portrays a tragic romance shaped by family feud.
• Love in the Time of Cholera (Gabriel García Márquez) — Explores the relationship between love, time, and obsession.

III. Key Issues Explored in Romance Fiction

Romance fiction not only examines love itself but also frequently engages with broader social, psychological, and ethical issues, including:

1. Class and Social Status

• Conflict between love, wealth, and social hierarchy, as in Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë).
• Romance between a poor man and a wealthy woman, as in The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald).

2. Culture and Tradition

• Arranged marriage versus free love, as depicted in Dream of the Red Chamber (Cao Xueqin).
• Cross-cultural romance, such as The Bridges of Madison County.

3. Historical Change and Evolving Views of Love

• Female autonomy versus traditional marriage ideals, as in Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë).
• The question of whether marriage and love are equivalent, as explored in Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy).

4. Taboo Love and Moral Ethics

• Forbidden relationships (teacher–student, mentor–disciple, sibling relationships), as implied in Gone with the Wind.
• Extramarital affairs, as in Lady Chatterley’s Lover (D. H. Lawrence).
• Same-sex and identity-based desire, as in Call Me by Your Name (André Aciman).

5. Psychological Exploration

• Obsession and extreme devotion, such as Heathcliff’s love for Catherine in Wuthering Heights.
• Memory and love, as portrayed in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

IV. Plot Structure and Character Design in Romance Fiction

(1) Plot Development

1. Classic Three-Act Structure
2. • Encounter (meeting and attraction)
   • Conflict (misunderstandings, obstacles, rivals)
   • Resolution (happiness, regret, or an open ending)

3. Special Narrative Techniques
4. • Flashback: As in Love in the Time of Cholera, where the protagonist reflects on a lifetime of love.
   • Multiple Plotlines: As in Love Actually, which depicts several romantic relationships simultaneously.
   • First-Person Perspective: Enhances emotional immersion, as in Jane Eyre.

(2) Archetypal Character Design

1. Male Protagonist (Hero)
2. • Dominant CEO type (e.g., Fifty Shades of Grey).
   • Devoted romantic hero (e.g., Darcy in Pride and Prejudice).
   • “Bad boy” archetype (e.g., Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights).

3. Female Protagonist (Heroine)
4. • Strong and independent woman (e.g., Jane in Jane Eyre).
   • Innocent and pure-hearted figure (e.g., Juliet in Romeo and Juliet).
   • Intelligent and witty heroine (e.g., Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice).

(3) Classic Romantic Elements

1. Misunderstanding and reconciliation (e.g., Darcy and Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice).
2. Love triangles (e.g., Bella, Edward, and Jacob in Twilight).
3. Passionate but painful romance (e.g., Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind).
4. Love that transcends obstacles (e.g., Pearl Harbor or Titanic).

Conclusion

Romance fiction endures because love itself is one of the most universal and emotionally resonant human experiences. Whether classical or contemporary, romance novels continually express humanity’s longing, struggle, and growth through love. To write a compelling romance novel, the key lies in creating layered characters, constructing authentic and emotionally charged relationships, and leaving readers with a lasting emotional impact.

V. Major Types of Romance Fiction

As an essential literary genre, romance fiction encompasses a wide range of expressive forms—from innocent first love to tragic obsession, from realism to fantasy. Below are the major types of romance fiction, with representative works and analysis.

(1) Major Romance Categories

1. Pure Romance (innocent and sincere love)
2. Sentimental Romance (emotionally detailed narratives)
3. Romantic Comedy (light-hearted and humorous love stories)
4. Tragic Romance (intense love marked by suffering)
5. Fantasy Romance (combined with supernatural elements)
6. Historical Romance (set in real or imagined historical contexts)
7. Social Realist Romance (examining social issues through love)
8. Love Triangles / Multiple Romantic Entanglements
9. Forbidden Love (violating social norms)
10. Tragic Love (ending in loss or regret)

(2) Representative Works and Analysis

1. Pure Romance
2. • You Are the Apple of My Eye (Giddens Ko)
   • Focuses on youthful, innocent love, emphasizing the purity and emotional resonance of first love.

3. Sentimental Romance
4. • Scarlet Heart (Tong Hua)
   • Explores emotional complexity through a female-centered narrative intertwined with history and fate.

5. Romantic Comedy
6. • Bridget Jones’s Diary (Helen Fielding)
   • Uses humor and self-reflection to portray modern urban romance.

7. Tragic Romance
8. • Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë)
   • Presents love intertwined with pain, revenge, and emotional extremity.

9. Fantasy Romance
10. • Twilight (Stephenie Meyer)
    • Combines supernatural elements with romance, emphasizing destiny and eternal love.

11. Historical Romance
12. • Gone with the Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
    • Depicts love amid war and historical upheaval, highlighting emotional transformation.

13. Social Realist Romance
14. • One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez)
    • Uses love to reflect social issues, family curses, and political realities.

15. Love Triangle
16. • Titanic
    • Explores love caught between freedom and social obligation.

17. Forbidden Love
18. • Romeo and Juliet (William Shakespeare)
    • Illustrates love doomed by social and familial constraints.

19. Tragic Love
20. • Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy)
    • Examines the conflict between social morality and personal desire, culminating in tragedy.

Summary

Although romance fiction revolves around the theme of love, it manifests in diverse forms—ranging from innocence and humor to obsession, fantasy, and tragedy. Each category offers distinct emotional depth and modes of reader engagement. Through these classifications and representative works, we can observe how romance fiction portrays both the beauty and cruelty of love, allowing readers to project their own emotions and find resonance within the narrative.

VI. Narrative Techniques and Plot Structure in Romance Fiction

Romance fiction employs sophisticated narrative techniques and plot structures to shape characters and generate emotional tension, enabling readers to experience the thrill, sweetness, and bitterness of love more deeply. The following analysis examines narrative person, narrative perspective, and common plot structures, with illustrative examples.

(I) Common Narrative Techniques in Romance Fiction

The narrative mode of a romance novel significantly influences reader immersion and emotional resonance. These techniques can be broadly categorized into narrative person and narrative perspective.

1. Narrative Person

(1) First-Person Narrative (I / We)

Characteristics:
A. The story is told from the perspective of the protagonist or an observer using “I.”
B. Allows for deep exploration of inner emotions but is limited in scope, presenting only what the narrator knows.
C. Creates a strong sense of identification and immersion for the reader.

Representative Work: Twilight (Stephenie Meyer)
Analysis:
The story is narrated in the first person by Bella. Her emotional conflicts, love for the vampire Edward, as well as her fears and desires, are portrayed in meticulous detail, allowing readers to resonate closely with her inner world.

(2) Third-Person Limited Perspective (He / She / They)

Characteristics:
A. Narration is conducted in the third person but focuses on the inner life and actions of a specific character.
B. Enables a more objective portrayal while retaining emotional depth.

Representative Work: Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
Analysis:
The narrative centers on Elizabeth Bennet through a third-person limited perspective, depicting her prejudice toward Mr. Darcy and the gradual transformation of her emotions. Readers evolve alongside her understanding of love.

(3) Third-Person Omniscient Perspective

Characteristics:
A. The narrator possesses complete knowledge and can enter the minds of all characters, offering a panoramic view of the story.
B. Particularly suitable for large-scale romance narratives such as family epics or multi-plot novels.

Representative Work: Gone with the Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
Analysis:
Set during the American Civil War, the novel portrays the romance between Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler. The omniscient narrator explores multiple characters’ psychological states, allowing readers to comprehend each character’s emotions and decisions.

2. Narrative Perspective

(1) Single Perspective: The entire novel is told from one character’s viewpoint, as in You Are the Apple of My Eye.
(2) Multiple Perspectives: Different characters alternate as narrators, such as in Divergent (dual perspectives of the male and female protagonists).
(3) Epistolary / Diary Form: Emotions are conveyed through letters or diaries, as in 84, Charing Cross Road.

3. Common Plot Structures in Romance Fiction

Romance novels often follow recognizable patterns of narrative development. The most common plot structures include the following:

(1) Traditional Romantic Narrative Structure (The Classical Three-Act Model)

A. Encounter (Beginning)
The protagonists meet for the first time, often with initial attraction or conflict.
In romantic comedies, the meeting may be awkward or humorous.

Example: Titanic — Jack and Rose meet aboard the ship, and a cross-class attraction begins to form.

B. Development (Emotional Intensification and Emerging Obstacles)
The relationship deepens, but internal or external obstacles arise, such as misunderstandings, social pressure, or romantic rivals.

Example: Pride and Prejudice — Elizabeth misinterprets Darcy’s pride, leading to emotional distance between them.

C. Climax (Conflict and Separation or Choice)
Misunderstandings intensify, and characters face critical trials, sometimes resulting in temporary separation.

Example: Romeo and Juliet — Family feuds force the lovers into secrecy, culminating in a tragic chain of misunderstandings.

D. Resolution (Fulfillment or Tragedy)
In romantic novels, characters overcome difficulties and achieve happiness.
In tragic or anguished romances, lovers may miss their chance or be forced apart.

Example: Gone with the Wind — Scarlett realizes her love for Rhett too late, and his departure leaves the story with profound regret.

(2) Other Specialized Plot Structures

A. Love Triangle
The protagonist struggles between two romantic relationships and must choose—or fails to do so.
Example: Twilight — Bella is torn between Edward the vampire and Jacob the werewolf.

B. Marriage Before Love
Characters marry due to practical reasons (family alliances, contractual marriage) and gradually develop genuine affection.
Example: Scarlet Heart — Ruoxi and the Fourth Prince develop a deep yet regret-filled romance amid imperial intrigue.

C. Separation and Reunion
Characters are separated by misunderstandings, war, or social pressure and reunite years later.
Example: No Longer Human — The lovers miss each other due to social constraints and live with lifelong regret.

D. Forbidden Love
The romance violates social norms, such as class disparity or familial hatred.
Example: Romeo and Juliet — Love rendered impossible by family conflict.

Summary

Romance fiction primarily conveys emotion through first-person narration, third-person limited perspective, and omniscient narration, while its plot structures often follow patterns of encounter, conflict, climax, and resolution, or creatively employ special arrangements such as love triangles and forbidden love.

Different narrative techniques and structures suit different types of romance fiction. Writers may choose the most appropriate approach based on narrative needs to deepen emotional tension and immerse readers more fully in the world of love.

VII. World-Famous Romance Novelists and Analysis of Their Works

Romance fiction has long been a vital literary genre, spanning from classical literature to contemporary popular romance, and has produced countless unforgettable love stories. Below are several renowned romance novelists and their representative works, along with analyses of their distinctive styles.

1. Jane Austen (1775–1817)

Representative Works: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Mansfield Park

Stylistic Features:
A. Exploration of women’s marriage and social status in nineteenth-century England.
B. Subtle humor and satire depicting social class and romantic values.
C. Detailed psychological portrayal and intelligent, independent female characters with proto-feminist qualities.

Classic Analysis — Pride and Prejudice
The romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy illustrates how class and prejudice shape love. Through misunderstanding and mutual growth, both characters overcome pride and bias to achieve a fulfilling resolution.

2. Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855)

Representative Work: Jane Eyre

Stylistic Features:
A. A heroine with strong personal will and a commitment to dignity and independence.
B. Romantic love intertwined with psychological and moral struggle.
C. First-person narration offering deep insight into the female inner world.

Classic Analysis — Jane Eyre
Jane Eyre, an orphan, grows through resilience and intelligence and forms a profound yet challenging romance with Mr. Rochester. The novel emphasizes female dignity and autonomy, establishing it as a classic coming-of-age romance.

3. Margaret Mitchell (1900–1949)

Representative Work: Gone with the Wind

Stylistic Features:
A. Integration of romance with historical events, particularly the American Civil War.
B. A strong-willed and ambitious heroine who challenges traditional female roles.
C. A winding love story marked by regret and realism.

Classic Analysis — Gone with the Wind
The emotional entanglement between Scarlett and Rhett spans war and social transformation. The novel portrays not only romance but also personal growth amid societal change.

4. Emily Brontë (1818–1848)

Representative Work: Wuthering Heights

Stylistic Features:
A. Gothic atmosphere combining love and revenge.
B. Dark, extreme psychology and emotionally destructive passion.
C. A distinctive narrative structure employing multiple perspectives.

Classic Analysis — Wuthering Heights
The love between Heathcliff and Catherine ends tragically due to class divisions and personal flaws, revealing the obsessive and destructive power of love, imbued with a strong sense of fatalism and the uncanny.

5. Nicholas Sparks (1965– )

Representative Works: The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, Dear John, The Last Song, Four by Four

Stylistic Features:
A. A master of modern romantic fiction, known for heartfelt storytelling.
B. Skillful depiction of tender love and life’s impermanence, often with bittersweet endings.
C. Many works adapted into films and widely beloved.

Classic Analysis — Message in a Bottle
The story recounts lovers separated by social circumstances who reconnect through letters decades later, moving countless readers.

6. Judith McNaught (1944–2021)

Representative Works: Paradise, Until You, Someone to Watch Over Me

Stylistic Features:
A. Meticulous psychological portrayal drawing readers into characters’ inner struggles.
B. Intelligent, independent heroines and male protagonists marked by mystery or past trauma.
C. Dramatic plots with powerful emotional climaxes.

Classic Analysis — Paradise
A romance that transcends class and misunderstanding, culminating in emotional intensity as the protagonists overcome numerous trials.

7. Eileen Goudge (1950– )

Representative Works: One Perfect Day, Five Star Romance

Stylistic Features:
A. Emphasis on modern women’s growth and romantic choices.
B. Integration of love, family, and personal destiny.
C. Emotionally resonant narratives prompting reflection on life and love.

Classic Analysis — One Perfect Day
The reunion of former lovers intertwines past emotions with present choices, highlighting the impact of time on love.

8. Jojo Moyes (1969– )

Representative Work: Me Before You

Stylistic Features:
A. Nontraditional romance with strong realist elements.
B. Profound themes exploring life choices and the limits of love.

Classic Analysis — Me Before You
A caregiver falls in love with a wealthy man with a disability; their relationship blends joy and sorrow while confronting ethical questions surrounding life and choice.

Summary Table

Author	Work	Distinctive Features
Jane Austen	Pride and Prejudice	Social satire, intelligent heroines, humor
Charlotte Brontë	Jane Eyre	Independent heroine, moral struggle
Margaret Mitchell	Gone with the Wind	Epic romance, wartime backdrop
Emily Brontë	Wuthering Heights	Gothic style, destructive passion
Nicholas Sparks	Message in a Bottle	Moving, understated emotional depth
Judith McNaught	Paradise	Intense emotional tension
Jojo Moyes	Me Before You	Nontraditional romance, life choices

These authors’ works have not only moved generations of readers but have also profoundly influenced the development of romance fiction. Whether classical or contemporary, their novels remain enduring texts worthy of close reading and reflection.

VIII. Analysis of Famous Taiwanese Bestselling Romance Novelists and Their Works

Taiwan’s romance fiction market has flourished over several decades, producing many influential writers. Their styles are diverse, ranging from traditional romantic fiction to modern urban romance, and even extending into fantasy and historical settings, creating a rich and varied literary landscape. Below is an overview of several well-known authors and an analysis of the distinctive features of their works.

(1) Chiung Yao

1. Representative Works:
Deep Courtyard, How Many Sunsets, Mist and Rain, By the Water, Where Seagulls Fly, Flying Clouds, A Curtain of Dreams, My Fair Princess series, among others.

2. Stylistic Characteristics:
A. Plot Design: Chiung Yao’s works are renowned for their delicate emotional portrayals and intricate romantic plots. Her stories often end in tragedy or lingering regret, emphasizing the purity of love and the theme of sacrifice.
B. Character Construction: Female protagonists are typically gentle and kind-hearted, while male protagonists are deeply devoted and charismatic. The emotional entanglements between them strongly captivate readers.
C. Lyrical and Aesthetic Prose: Her novels are known for poetic language and refined emotional expression, excelling in depictions of pure love, painful romance, and intense emotional conflict.
D. Tragedy and Sense of Fate: Many stories carry a strong sense of fatalism, with romantic relationships filled with obstacles and frequently culminating in tragic endings.
E. Wide Influence: Numerous works have been adapted into films and television dramas, exerting a profound influence on popular culture in the Chinese-speaking world.

(2) Xi Juan

1. Representative Works:
Love Across Time, Wrong Sedan, Right Groom, The Lover of the Poppy, You Must Pity Me, among others.

2. Stylistic Characteristics:
A. Humorous and Lighthearted Tone: Unlike Chiung Yao’s tragic style, Xi Juan adopts a relaxed and humorous approach to romance, offering readers an enjoyable reading experience.
B. Fusion of Modern and Classical Elements: Her novels include both historical and modern settings, skillfully blending classical elegance with contemporary sensibilities.
C. Vivid Character Interaction: Characters are vividly drawn, often engaging in witty dialogue and emotionally charged interactions that enhance narrative appeal.

(3) Yu Qing

1. Representative Works:
Holding Back Tears, One Cry That Shook the World, The Beggar Teasing the Butterfly.

2. Stylistic Characteristics:
A. Strong Classical Flavor: Most works are set in ancient times, incorporating elements such as family rivalries and imperial power struggles.
B. Tragic and Deeply Emotional Romance: Love stories often possess a poignant beauty, with characters suffering turbulent fates that evoke strong reader empathy.
C. Tightly Structured and Dramatic Plots: The narratives are fast-paced and carefully structured, unfolding like emotionally charged dramas.

(4) Zuo Qingwen

1. Representative Works:
Raging Youth series, Little East Gang series, The Four Heroes of the Tang Clan series.

2. Stylistic Characteristics:
A. Youthful and Passionate Style: Centered on youthful romance and heroic adventures, her writing is energetic and highly appealing to younger readers.
B. Charismatic Male Protagonists: Male leads are often dominant, powerful, and slightly rebellious, attracting a large female readership.
C. Successful Series Development: Through interconnected characters and continuing storylines, she builds a distinctive fictional universe that sustains reader interest.

(5) Ling Shufen

1. Representative Works:
My Love Is Shallow, Loving Just a Little, The Snake Brings Fortune, Meeting You—No Regrets.

2. Stylistic Characteristics:
A. Modern Urban Romance: Specializes in workplace romance, social issues, and explorations of human nature that closely reflect real-life experiences.
B. Balance of Humor and Emotion: Her writing is humorous yet emotionally nuanced, making stories both entertaining and touching.
C. Realistic Characterization: Characters are vividly portrayed with natural interactions that resonate strongly with readers.

(6) Gu Ling

1. Representative Works:
Everyone in the Family Is a Treasure series, The Four Imperial Guards of the Capital series, The Legend of the Dark Demon King.

2. Stylistic Characteristics:
A. Lighthearted and Comedic Style: Works incorporate comedic elements, humorous plots, and lively character interactions.
B. Prolific Output: Covers a wide range of genres, including fantasy, historical fiction, and urban romance.
C. Female-Centered Narratives: Female characters often possess independence and agency, rather than passively waiting for love.

(7) Fujii Tree (pen name of Chen Yu-Hsuan)

1. Representative Works:
Shall We Not Marry?, Accompanying Anthony Through the Long Years, Goodbye, Prince.

2. Stylistic Characteristics:
A. Delicate and Emotional Prose: Excels at portraying pure love and personal growth with subtle emotional depth.
B. Melancholy and Nostalgia: Stories often carry a gentle sadness that touches readers’ deepest emotions.
C. Literary Sensibility: Compared to traditional romance novels, her works possess stronger literary qualities, appealing to readers who favor aesthetic and emotionally refined writing.

Summary Table

Author	Main Style	Representative Works
Chiung Yao	Lyrical tragic romance, aesthetic sensitivity	Mist and Rain, Deep Courtyard
Xi Juan	Humor, fusion of past and present	Love Across Time, Wrong Sedan, Right Groom
Yu Qing	Classical style, tragic romance	Holding Back Tears, One Cry That Shook the World
Zuo Qingwen	Youthful passion, domineering romance	Raging Youth series
Ling Shufen	Modern urban romance, humorous subtlety	My Love Is Shallow, Loving Just a Little
Gu Ling	Lighthearted humor, female-centered narratives	Everyone in the Family Is a Treasure, The Legend of the Dark Demon King
Fujii Tree	Delicate emotion, literary style	Accompanying Anthony Through the Long Years

Conclusion

Each of these writers has left a profound mark on Taiwan’s romance fiction market. From the classics of Chiung Yao and Xi Juan to the modern sensibilities of Fujii Tree, their works continue to be beloved by readers and together form a vibrant and diverse panorama of Taiwanese romance literature.

IX. How to Write an Outstanding Romance Novel

The appeal of romance novels lies in their ability to touch readers’ hearts and evoke emotional resonance with the characters. Whether portraying pure love, tragic romance, or fantastical love stories, writers must focus on emotional depth, vivid characterization, and compelling narrative tension. Below is a comprehensive guide to writing an engaging romance novel, illustrated through a hypothetical title.

Title: If Time Stopped at That Moment

1. Story Concept

The male protagonist loses his memory in an accident, retaining only a vague image from a rainy night. His world seems frozen at that moment. When he encounters the female protagonist, he realizes that her existence contradicts that fragment of memory…

2. Establishing the Theme and Core Emotion

The core of a romance novel is emotion, which can take many forms, such as:

• Pure Romance: Innocent first love, soulmates (You Are the Apple of My Eye)
• Tragic Romance: Love unattainable, life-and-death separation (a romantic reinterpretation of No Longer Human)
• Fantasy Romance: Time travel, reincarnation (Scarlet Heart)
• Modern Urban Romance: Workplace relationships, social class differences (Tokyo Love Story)

Application to the Hypothetical Title:
If Time Stopped at That Moment centers on “love and memory loss,” exploring themes of fate, destiny, and choice.

3. Creating Vivid Characters

Characters drive the narrative and must possess distinct personalities and histories that create emotional tension.

Character Design:

• Male Protagonist (e.g., Shen Yi): Introverted and mysterious, searching for clues to a lost love due to memory loss.
• Female Protagonist (e.g., Xia Zhiwei): Strong yet emotionally sensitive; she knows Shen Yi’s past but chooses to conceal it.
• Supporting Character (e.g., Jiang Yichen): Shen Yi’s close friend, secretly in love with Xia Zhiwei, forming a love triangle.

Application:
The male protagonist’s memory remains fixed on a rainy night, yet he feels an inexplicable familiarity with the female protagonist, creating suspense and emotional conflict.

4. Crafting a Compelling Plot

Romance novels require emotional fluctuations, incorporating conflict, suspense, and turning points rather than mere sweetness.

Suggested Three-Act Structure:

(1) Act One: Encounter and Attraction

• The protagonists meet by chance, and the male protagonist feels an unexplained familiarity.
• The female protagonist is emotionally shaken but hides the truth.
• The male protagonist senses an unfulfilled promise from his past.

(2) Act Two: Conflict and Growth

• The male protagonist suspects the rainy-night memory belongs to another woman.
• The female protagonist struggles with the truth—that she entered his life only after the accident.
• Jiang Yichen confesses his feelings, urging her to let go.

(3) Act Three: Climax and Resolution

• The male protagonist recovers his memory and realizes the figure from the rainy night was the female protagonist all along.
• Understanding her silence, he chooses to let go of the past and cherish the present.
• The ending may be happy or bittersweet, such as:
  “The moment time stopped was the beginning of our reunion.”

5. Mastering Narrative Techniques

Atmosphere and emotional expression are crucial.

Narrative Perspective:

• First Person: Strong emotional immersion (I and the Temple of Earth)
• Third Person (Omniscient): Reveals both characters’ inner worlds (Norwegian Wood)

Application:

• First person: “I don’t know why she feels so familiar… but these eyes—I’ve seen them somewhere before.”
• Third person: “Shen Yi gazed at Xia Zhiwei, searching for lost memories, while she smiled to conceal her inner turmoil.”

6. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Stereotypical Characters: Overly perfect male leads or excessively weak female leads reduce relatability.
• Lack of Conflict: Excessive sweetness without tension weakens the story.
• Overt Emotional Expression: Love should be shown through actions and details, not declarations.

Application:
Instead of directly stating recognition, use subtle details—a familiar gesture or an old melody that triggers memory.

Key Elements and Applications

Element	Application
Theme & Core Emotion	Emphasize emotional depth (e.g., fate and choice)
Characterization	Multidimensional characters with past struggles
Plot Structure	Three-act or classical progression
Narrative Technique	Use detail and implication rather than direct statements
Avoiding Clichés	Ensure originality and freshness

Conclusion: The Key to a Successful Romance Novel

The most moving love stories arise from sincere and delicate emotion. When readers can feel a character’s struggle, growth, and choices, the romance novel truly comes alive and becomes unforgettable.