When I first started writing, I had never really considered words like tropes or story arc. As a reader, I read what I enjoyed and didn’t consider the structure behind the story. That all changed when I began bringing my own stories to life and I learned–boy did I learn–that there was so much involved in writing beyond putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
Tropes is now one of my favorite things to consider when it comes to writing or reading. Like most readers, I have certain stories that I always come back to, or tropes that I love reading.
One of those is the grumpy/sunshine trope, where one character (usually the hero) is grumpy, while the other (usually the heroine) is overly happy. The grumpy/sunshine reminds me of an opposites attract romance since the characters are so different from each other. I love reading the conflict between the characters and the constant tug-of-war between their opposing personalities, which makes it a surprise that it took me until this year to write this trope in one of my own stories.
It was a challenge to keep a balance between the grumpy/sunshine and not let one overtake the other. No one likes a mean grump or a sunshine person who’s so bright that they feel unrealistic. Even in fiction, I like for characters to feel real.
This is where Alicia and Colin come into the story. I wrote Alicia as a doctor and Colin as an Army medic, then I stuck them together and watched the sparks fly. Alicia is the type who though she’s the sunshine character, she has spunk. And despite Colin’s grumpiness, he’s a good guy, as his niece and nephew will tell you.
Both Alicia and Colin need to learn how to deal with their opposite personality type, and it isn’t easy for either of them. They try to stay out of each other’s way, but as the author, I get to be mean and keep pushing them to work side by side until they sort out their differences. Add in an island setting and I was all set to create one of my favorite romances so far.
Do you enjoy the grumpy/sunshine trope? What is it that you like or dislike?
Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor's degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she's not homeschooling her kids, you'll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha's genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.
What’s the title of this one? It sounds fun.
It’s so interesting to find out how writers think about developing stories.
Inquire enjoy the grumpy/sunshine trope, but I think as you’ve said it’s got to be realistic, and well written enough that you don’t think of it as a trope, but just two believable characters whose relationship develops.
Interesting to read this. Sounds like a good book.
Your new book sounds interesting.
I’m scouring my brain right now, and I can’t think of a grumpy/sunshine book that I’ve read. Although I did really like the movie Enchanted, which would probably qualify.
My best friend is the sunniest person I know, and I’m… not, ha ha. I keep thinking I need to write about a buoyant, bubbly heroine, but it hasn’t happened yet!
To be honest, I’m reading one that has this exact trope in it right now!! However, it’s one I’m proofreading, so I’m not saying name and author! It’s to be out on October 8, though!!
This one is Love Like No Other. I JUST got the cover this week and it’s gorgeous. The preorder link should be going up soon.
Exactly, even though we’re writing fiction, we want it to feel like something that is a natural development.
Thank you! I had such a fun time writing these characters!
I’m the same way in my personality. It was a challenge to keep her attitude going as the bubbly one, and I had to keep going back and thinking about how she would react to situations versus how he would react. It was a lot of fun.
Oh, I love that you’re reading one now! I know a few authors who have done the grumpy/sunshine trope lately and I’m anxious to get my writing wrapped up so I can read for a while.
I do like the grumpy/sunshine trope. I like reading how their personalities finally come together and they discover that they really like each other.
Yes. I like to see how they start to like each other. I also enjoy how the grump starts turning away from all gloom. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
yes, it’s fun
I am late blame the time change and the fact Libby (cat) decided to try to hijack my bed again last night.
Its interesting in real life negative people are ones I struggle with. Especially when you reassure them and take away the obstacles but they keep going. An example is I was at the net practice of the cricket (day before the international game starts and you can watch the player practice and then get autographs etc). Well this lady wanted the captain to sign a book or photo or something. She constantly said he won’t sign it. I would say he will after you just need to be patient and be there when he’s signing etc. She kept it up to the point I felt like saying if you think you can’t get it signed why did you bother coming. I didn’t but I did have to move away from her at times. She got it no worries, shes at all the games so he recognised her but the lead up is like pulling teeth.
In a book I don’t mind as long as the grumpy one is grumpy not negative (There is a difference) and we often see why they are grumpy and its often due to life issues. (Like pain, trauma, life situations which wear you down). Also always sunny people can also be annoying so it’s fun to see how the two interact.