Romantasy Story Beats
1. The Before Times: Introduce Main Character 1 (MC1) living their normal (yet compelling) life. They realize something isn’t right and it’s time to become the hero of their own story. This realization comes from another character or situation, or is motivated by a problem or something they’ve always wanted to accomplish. Main Character 2 (MC2) (the romantic interest) is also introduced, living their normal life.
2. Nobody’s Perfect: MC1 is hesitant to embark on the adventure because of their weaknesses and fears. The refusal can be resolved through encouragement or realizing what they are missing. The first meeting between the main characters should be memorable and at least one of them should explain (internally or externally) why they will not fall in love with the other.
3. Meet the Mentor/Adhesion: MC1’s first encounter with a mentor or teacher (mystical or not). MC1 gets needed advice, giving the audience an idea of the obstacles and dangers ahead. Something happens to keep MC1 and MC2 close to each other for the duration of the story. Reiterate here why this relationship will not work.
4. Hand on the Knob: MC1 commits to embarking on the journey, leaving their comfort zone behind and potentially facing unknown dangers. They are scared and uncertain about what lies ahead, yet brave enough to continue. The main characters start to realize they might fall in love. Perhaps they see a different side of each other, or have an inexplicably romantic moment (SWIND). This signals that the characters are willing to face unknown dangers and fears.
5. The Door Opens: In this part of the story, the hero is on the brink of a big change. They face a small but significant problem that makes it clear there’s no turning back to their old life. It’s like everything’s upside down, and they feel hopeless, but they know they have to push through and keep going. The main characters are starting to fall for each other, showing their bond growing deeper (SWIND).
6. What Doesn’t Kill Me: MC1 goes through challenging tests (usually three), realizing they won’t succeed at all of them right away. They're likely to revisit their mentor from the beginning for guidance as they navigate these trials, showcasing their growth along the way. Readers will see how much the hero has changed but also understand that more challenges lie ahead. The main characters start to feel hopeful about love, sensing a connection that's different from anything they’ve experienced before (SWIND).
7. It Was You All Along: The main characters realize they can bring love, safety, and unity to each other, helping each heal and understand they’re not alone in their struggles. MC2 acts as a supportive counterpart, making MC1 feel secure. The tension between the main characters builds, leading to a pivotal moment where they express their feelings for each other, often culminating in a kiss (or more) (SWIND).
8. What’s That?: In this part of the story, the hero encounters physical temptations that challenge their focus on the quest. They need to resist these temptations to earn a bigger reward later on, and they'll face a few until they figure it out. After a strong connection, the love interests start to feel uncertain and let their fears creep back in, which complicates things for them.
9. It Was Me All Along: MC1 must face something dark or threatening — this could be an external force or an internal struggle with their own darker impulses. It’s all about confronting fears and insecurities; only by facing these challenges can the hero truly progress. Things get rocky for your main characters with misunderstandings keeping them apart, which is a prime opportunity to dig into their insecurities and show how they can eventually overcome these hurdles to find love. Exploit the reasons they had for not falling in love in beats 2 and 3 here.
10. I’m Up Here, Where Are You?: MC1 undergoes significant change, becoming closer to their ideal self and learning something new about themselves that prepares them for the hardest part of their journey. This important insight, often referred to as “the answer,” usually comes from a wise mentor. The hero ultimately achieves their goal, which may involve a battle against an enemy or facing their own dark side, causing them to question the value of what they seek. The love interests feel overwhelmed, retreating and misunderstanding each other, leading to doubts about their future together.
11. Clean Break: MC1 is reluctant to return home after reaching their goal due to fear of the unknown, attachment to their new life, or concerns over the consequences of their powers. They may feel comfortable in their current world. The main characters feel betrayal after trusting someone, leading them to strengthen their resolve to remain alone. They breakup, though the possibility of reconciliation remains.
12. No Safety: In the final conflict of a story, the protagonist escapes danger using newfound knowledge, symbolizing their growth. This often includes a chase or battle, highlighting the need to return home as staying is no longer an option. Your characters feel lost after their breakup, questioning how things went wrong again.
13. Comfort Seeking: MC1 is saved from danger by an unexpected source, like lightning striking, to help them in a tough situation. The rescue must be believable, as readers often dislike easy solutions. After the rescue, the hero must return home. The main characters begin to understand they have agency, are in control of their own happiness, and must confront their flaws.
14. I’ll Show You: The protagonist returns home after their adventure, reflecting on their growth and the changes in their world. Explore how the hero has changed, the differences in their old world, how they adjust to being back, and how others respond to their return. One main character takes a risk to prove their love, leading to the lovers’ reunion and a happy ending (SWIND).
15. HEA: MC1 has reached their full potential, overcoming fears and growing in unimaginable ways. They have changed and gained wisdom, skills, and resources to help others in need. They share their knowledge with the world. MC1 now has the freedom to do anything, marking the story's resolution and achieving a “happily ever after.” The main characters’ fears no longer control them, and the ending provides closure, giving a glimpse into their future life together (SWIND?).
