Plot-line Musings.

[eyesthatslay]

I've decided that I'm a sucker for the classic Pride and Prejudice plot line. I like the characters to both be guarded, have walls, and be "unlocked" by the other.
I may be thinking too much, but does anyone know what I'm talking about? Examples:

Elizabeth & Darcy in P&P.
Scarlett & Rhett in GWtW.
Han Solo & Princess Leia in Star Wars.
Spike & Buffy in BtVS.

I can't think of anymore, but I know there are others.

Guy meets girl.
Guy and girl annoy each other.
Guy and girl are reluctantly thrown together for some reason or circumstance.
Guy and girl have some kind of social/economic barrier between them.
Guy and girl continue to annoy each other.
Guy and girl are attracted to each other anyway.
Guy and girl end up falling madly in love with one another.
Guy and girl live happily ever after.

I've read massive amounts of romance novels over the years, and it never fails. The above is the basic formula that always hooks me through the gills.
I like the the guy and the girl to have some kind of social barrier between them, that over time dissolves in the face of attraction, admiration, respect, and love. If they tumble into bed too quick or get all mushy too soon, it just ruins it for me. I like the suspense of the sparring and angst, that is what makes it fun!
That is what grabbed me about Spuffy too. They should be enemies at best, yet they are hopelessly attracted to one another even as they want to dislike each other.
Hence, my complete and total obessesion with rikki_oko's WIP Indigo Overture. If you aren't following this WIP, and you like stories that begin in this way, get over there and read it.

Comments

[marsterslady.livejournal.com]

I understand. It's a formula that works. When you have characters fall immediately in love, some of the journey has been missed, and the ending isn't as sweet.

[eyesthatslay.livejournal.com]

Exactly! The journey is so important, and it makes the final blossoming of the romance so much more profound for me.

[cyrindha.livejournal.com]

These relationships don't always work, but when they do they sizzle. I think my first experience was patiently reading GWTW when I was about nine or so, spending most of the time shouting at Scarlett 'can't you see he's right in front of you!' and becoming a bitter cynic when I realized that Rhett had indeed walked out of that door. Fortunately I now know that I can read P&P if I want to brighten my day with a proper happy ending.

[eyesthatslay.livejournal.com]

I agree. There are different extremes of this formula, and GWtW was one of those that pushed the boundries of good sense. I too wanted to badly to smack Scarlett for being blind to what she could of had. I felt the same thing when I read Alexander Ripley's sequel Scarlett. To me P&P is this formula at it's best. Just enough angst to make it riveting without the stress and aggravation of "How could you be so stupid!". :)

[musing-mia.livejournal.com]

I love this type of pairing. It's more interesting and challenging. Better than the couples that are so much alike and immediately like each other. Too much sacchrine for me. Gotta have a bit of spark to light the fire.

Damn you for reccing rikki_oko's fic. Now, I want more and I'm not gonna get it today, like now. :bg:

[eyesthatslay.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that you understand my attraction to this pairing. It has always been a preference for almost as long as I can remember. Sparkage is good.

Damn you for reccing rikki_oko's fic.
Lol! Isn't it just yummy! I'm glad that you're hooked now too. I'm jonesing for the next chapter!!

[inell.livejournal.com]

I love this formula, too. That is what draws me to Draco/Hermione in the HP fandom. Don't hate me, but I absolutely loathe Spuffy! Sorry, but I can't stand it and think Spike deserves so much more than Buffy. It's a personal thing and one of my good friends is a major Spuffy fan so I've got no problems with it, just thought I'd be honest and let you know that it's one of my least favorites!

In regards to this formula, it's so classic that it's nearly impossible to go wrong! I love characters that argue and have barriers and reluctantly admit to attraction and love and then happy endings galore! Draco/Hermione is one of the best current examples I can think of from several fandoms, having a bigger barrier than most couples, but that's what it makes fun, in my opinion, which isn't worth much :)

Just wanted to say I agree with the love of that premise, P&P being an absolute favorite of mine! Gotta love Darcy :)

[eyesthatslay.livejournal.com]

I absolutely loathe Spuffy! Sorry, but I can't stand it and think Spike deserves so much more than Buffy.
I understand, ME really pushed things with how much abuse Buffy dealt Spike. It was hard to like her sometimes, but S7 really helped me with that, not to mention TONS of fic that went along with the lines of what I would have liked to see happen. :)

I just know that if this formula is even hinted at in a movie/story I get hooked. It is what keeps me interested. I don't ship HP, but I know tons of people do.

I love Darcy! I've read fic about P&P, and loved it...as a matter of fact, that was my first experience with fan fiction.

[ex-just-kumi863.livejournal.com]

Dang another rec for Indigo Overture. Argh!

Sigh, not a big fan of the all-human stories (I love my vampire/slayer) but now I'm going to have to go check it out.

[eyesthatslay.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean, vampire/slayer is my preference too, but Indigo Overture is really good...and I'm all into it now. :)

[rikki-oko.livejournal.com]

Funny thing? I usually hate human AUs too! This one just itched at my brain until I gave in. *laugh*

[rikki-oko.livejournal.com]

A. I can completely relate to this post! I am exactly the same way....give me the tension!!! Here's a few of my favorite (though admittedly more abscure) examples

Pacey and Joey - Dawson's Creek
Bender and Claire - The Breakfast Club
Sarah and Jareth - Labyrinth
Mad Martigan and Sorcha - Willow
Lucy and George - Two Weeks Notice

Oh, the list could go on, and on....becaue if this formula is in a movie...I will watch it and generally love it.

B. Then I get to the end of this supreme post and find that you pimped me too???? Oh, yeah, you're not just on my favorite people list. Today, you *are* my favorite people list. *grin*

[eyesthatslay.livejournal.com]

Bender and Claire - The Breakfast Club
Mad Martigan and Sorcha - Willow

These are great examples! I've seen those movies, but had forgotten about them. :)

Oh, and I remembered these too:

Kathleen & Joe - You've Got Mail
Barbara & Catch - Down With Love

Yes, I shamelessly pimped your fic, and I liked it! :P

[rikki-oko.livejournal.com]

Oooh....totally forgot about You've Got Mail...I haven't watched that one in a long while....hm...

But, I haven't seen Down with Love! I'll have to check that one out.

Teehee...

[invisigoth51.livejournal.com]

I think you said it in one there.... *holds hands up as a similarly obcessed BTVS addict*
I don't remember how i linked to your journal - i was wandering through LJ land while trying to avoid doing any work - i think we have friends who have friends in common or something - i think the link form my friends page started with Kashinthegreen if you know her.....
anyways... would you mind if i stole a few of your Buffy icons?

Re: Teehee...

[eyesthatslay.livejournal.com]

Hello! :) Thanks for popping in and commenting on my rambling post. I'm glad you understand my adoration of BtVS, the fandom is pretty special!
You're welcome to snag my icons, please just credit me in the keywords. :D

Re: Teehee...

[invisigoth51.livejournal.com]

You got it! Thanx!

*invisigoth hangs around for a bit to stare at your many yummy Spike pictures - then conceeds that she should probably do some work and wanders off*

Re: Teehee...

[eyesthatslay.livejournal.com]

Lol, you're welcome. :D

Spike good!