1. Romance Fiction Created by Kathryn Reilly

2. Genre Background Romance fiction focuses solely on a romantic relationship developing between two characters. Romantic fiction may borrow elements from other genres such as historical or fantasy fiction. Romantic fiction usually ends happily.

3. Common Genre Elements Characters – Hero – Heroine – Villain (character who tries to the keep the lovers apart) Settings – Anywhere – Anytime Other – The two main characters must overcome multiple obstacles to be together. – The obstacles may be external and/or internal. – Romantic fiction often incorporates elements from other genres. Fantasy: romance between a human and vampire Historical: romance set during the civil war Science fiction: romance occurring on a different planet

4. Romance Fiction Example Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice exists as this genre’s most beloved and famous work. – It’s been remade as a movie or TV series eleven times (most recently with zombies). The title suggests the two greatest obstacles Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet must overcome to achieve a happy ending. http://covers.openlibrary.org/b/id/6676264-L.jpg

5. Romance Fiction Example Johanna Lindsey is a prolific romance writer. This novel includes elements of historical fiction. Hearts Aflame contains all the core elements of romance fiction: – The main characters begin as sworn enemies. – Through a series of events they begin to see each other in a new light and fall in love. http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0380899825.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

6. Genre Excerpt PRIDE AND PREJUDICE By Jane Austen Chapter 1 It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters. The opening sentence of Pride and Prejudice identifies that the novel’s focus will surround a man seeking a wife. The second paragraph suggests that misunderstandings are bound to occur between characters, leading to obstacles they must overcome. In fact, the majority of the main characters in Pride and Prejudice overcome a series of obstacles and find themselves engaged or married by the novel’s close. http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/world/readfile?pageno=1&fk_files =2304775

7. Romance Fiction Review Romance fiction centers on two individuals overcoming obstacles to be together. These obstacles may be external such as disapproving relatives, or internal such as fear or self-doubt. Romance fiction may include elements from other genres such as historical fiction or science fiction.