I don't think that I have ever read a book where there has not been any form of romantic or sexual attraction between characters.
This begs the question as to if this is deemed a necessity by authors and readers alike. Do authors just think readers want a bit of the romance factor? Is it something so fundamental to human beings that we can't prevent it seeping into our literature?
Recently I read an historical thriller novel where a doctor becomes attached to a family who own a declining estate. It is clear from the start that he will eventually pursue or confront romantic interest from the daughter, or vice-versa. However, as the book progressed it seemed promising that their relationship was more friendly than romantic. Then just as I was thinking: "finally, something different" he kissed her.
Where literature is simply a romance, it is of course expected of it, the reader is reading the novel for the indulgence of a fairy tale romance (Take 'Pride and Prejudice', for example). Romance however, seems to penetrate almost every genre and style of writing, almost to the extent of its own!
As a writer, and a teenager, I myself fall party to this trap of romance. Sometimes it is hard to prevent your characters from falling in love. And once the plot line has begun, it is stuck like super glue!
I would argue then, that the answer to both of my questions is a YES. However, to the latter, above the former. Sometimes the writers just can't help it. Characters have hearts and minds of their own.
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