4 replies to this topic

[rainingstars]

Here's a question that I've been mulling over for a while now and am very curious to see what other people think: how do you like to see love triangles resolved? I realised how hard it was to resolve a love triangle well because there are so many dimensions to it. When the author doesn't position the reader to like one character and dislike the other, don't they put themselves in a position where it's hard to achieve a satisfactory ending? I do wonder about that.

So I'm asking you guys your opinion. Do you prefer to have one of the two candidates chosen by the end of the story, or leave it open to interpretation? What was an example of a love triangle in fics that you felt was resolved very well?

Very curious, I am. (so curious that I unlurked to make an account and post! )

[Darth Krypt]

I would definitely prefer a love triangle/rectangle/octagon/whatever to be resolved. If the ending is not resolved than what is the point of the story. I would be pissed if I watched a show and that happens. It makes me feel like I wasted my time watching. However it does suck if the pair that ended up together isn't your choice. For example Toradora I preferred ryuji and minorin to end up together because their development is much better than taiga in my opinion. But it's much better than an unresolved ending.

[rainingstars]

That is true. I have watched an anime where it ended with the girl leaving to decide which guy to accept and it wasn't terrible, but it left me feeling cheated of a proper ending. I wanted to know who she ended up with, dammit! But I guess it is kind of unconventional to leave an open ending.

I watched Toradora too. I actually liked Ami but it was clear she wasn't going to have a chance at Ryuuji. I would've liked Minori as well. I didn't quite gel with Taiga. She had her moments though

[Seiki Alice]

Here's a question that I've been mulling over for a while now and am very curious to see what other people think: how do you like to see love triangles resolved? I realised how hard it was to resolve a love triangle well because there are so many dimensions to it. When the author doesn't position the reader to like one character and dislike the other, don't they put themselves in a position where it's hard to achieve a satisfactory ending? I do wonder about that.

So I'm asking you guys your opinion. Do you prefer to have one of the two candidates chosen by the end of the story, or leave it open to interpretation? What was an example of a love triangle in fics that you felt was resolved very well?

Very curious, I am. (so curious that I unlurked to make an account and post! )

Thanks you for the post.

[MonkeysTotallyRock]

I think it depends on the situation, the characters, and the message and feel of the story.
If you're writing a more kiddy story, then it's more apt to portray an 'everyone gets a happy ending' sort of deal.
Regardless of your reasons, if you do choose the happy ending trio, then I think the most important thing is to show character development on the part of the people who messed up. Usually, someone breaks up with the typical meanie-face, and if the meanie-face is to have someone at the end of the day, then something needs to have changed significantly enough to make that new relationship, and the overall ending believable.
Keep in mind though resolution doesn't necessitate people being with each other. It's very, very realistic in many scenarios that nobody gets together, or someone gets heartbroken but that's it.
I see very many good Tsunade/Jiraiya fics where they somehow end up together - I think this is more harmful for the fanfic. Instead, as developed in the canon, it may be better to have a tragic element - two stubborn, lovable characters who are hopelessly in love with each other but cannot make a relationship because of their pride, the circumstances they're placed into, and the responsibilities they have. This IS resolved; it may not be a relationship, but it is definitively a resolution.
With regard to love triangles specifically, I'd say in reality most of the time someone definitely gets hurt. So there should be that element, for me at least.
I agree, it's something that is very tough to write and resolve.