From the First Draft Friday podcast archives
In this 2021 episode of First Draft Friday, Authors AI’s Alessandra Torre sat down with romance author Tamie Dearen to explore one of the most critical elements of successful storytelling: creating characters readers genuinely care about. The discussion focused on romance fiction, where character likability carries even more weight than in many other genres.
Tamie Dearen, a practicing dentist and longtime author of sweet romance, Christian romance, and young adult fantasy, shared insights drawn from writing multiple series since 2013. For her, storytelling is fundamentally character-driven. The plot exists to reveal who the characters truly are. Complications aren’t optional — they’re essential. A simple “meet, fall in love, get married” arc may mirror real life, but compelling fiction requires friction.
Why likability matters more in romance
Unlike horror or suspense, where antiheroes and morally gray characters can thrive, romance demands that readers root for both central characters. Readers must believe these two people deserve happiness — and deserve each other. If readers actively dislike one of them, the emotional payoff collapses.
That doesn’t mean characters must be perfect. In fact, perfection is boring. But it does mean their flaws must be carefully chosen.
The right (and wrong) kind of flaws
Dearen emphasizes that characters should absolutely have faults — just not the wrong ones. Flaws create tension, relatability, and growth. However, certain behaviors cross a line.
Two major deal-breakers?
- Cheating (actual cheating, not suspected cheating)
- Abuse
In sweet or inspirational romance, substance abuse or destructive habits must also be handled carefully, with clear remorse and growth. Readers need confidence that the heroine isn’t ending up with someone who could later become dangerous.
The key principle: readers will forgive many things if the character’s core is noble.
The double standard in romance
An interesting observation from Dearen: male and female characters are judged differently.
Grumpy heroes, arrogant billionaires, even reformed bullies can be wildly popular. If those same behaviors are mirrored in a heroine, readers often react far more harshly. It may not be fair, but it’s a consistent pattern in reader response.
Male leads can be stern, distant, or brooding — as long as they reveal a hidden softness. Readers want a hero who stands firm in his beliefs, protects others, and would sacrifice for the heroine. What they don’t want is weakness — indecision, cowardice, or moral instability.
The “prove himself” moment
At some point in a romance, the hero must prove his devotion. Dearen references the cinematic moment in Air Force One starring Harrison Ford — the scene where the president risks everything to rescue his wife from a hijacked plane.
Romance readers crave that emotional equivalent. It doesn’t need to involve terrorists or airplanes, but it must clearly demonstrate: She is my priority.
That moment cements reader trust.
The breakup and reader forgiveness
Most romances feature a third-act breakup triggered by misunderstanding or betrayal. Dearen notes that heroes are often granted more forgiveness, particularly if you establish a backstory of prior betrayal. Readers understand why he reacts strongly.
Heroines, however, are held to higher standards. If she misjudges the hero, her remorse must arrive quickly. She should experience doubt. And it helps tremendously if someone she trusts gave her bad advice. Readers may feel frustrated, but they’ll understand.
Without that nuance, the heroine risks appearing immature rather than wounded.
Flaws that work
Some “safe” flaws consistently succeed:
- Snarkiness
- Stubbornness
- Emotional guardedness
- Insecurity stemming from past hurt
Snark, in particular, can be effective for both genders — though heroines benefit from visible self-awareness. If she says something sharp, showing she knows she crossed a line softens the impact.
Balancing flaws with warmth is critical. A snarky heroine who also brings soup when you’re sick? Endearing. A sarcastic character who never shows kindness? Exhausting.
Readers want to see themselves in heroines. They want reassurance that flawed people are still lovable.
The power of backstory
Deep-seated fears — especially fear of trust or abandonment — often stem from backstory. Dearen doesn’t always over-explain surface traits like snarkiness, but she does anchor larger emotional wounds in credible past experiences.
We all carry insecurities. Watching characters confront and overcome them creates emotional satisfaction.
Can characters be too perfect?
Absolutely.
Perfection eliminates tension. Dearen prefers characters who bring out the best in each other — who grow because of the relationship. In her Billionaire series, she deliberately gave each hero a disability. Rather than weakening the characters, this added depth and required readers to connect with them beyond superficial traits.
Growth is more compelling than flawlessness.
Avoiding repetition in a series
Writing multiple books within a series presents a unique challenge: how to avoid creating carbon-copy protagonists.
Dearen draws from real people for inspiration — bits and pieces rather than direct replicas. She also avoids overly moody or self-pitying characters. Prolonged negativity repels readers.
Alessandra Torre adds another practical strategy: opposites attract. Differences in background, personality, or habits naturally generate conflict. A messy heroine paired with a neat hero. A small-town optimist matched with a big-city cynic. Contrast creates sparks.
Do flaws create dramatic tension?
Without question.
Flaws drive internal and external conflict. They generate misunderstandings, emotional stakes, and growth arcs. The only caution: ensure redeeming qualities outweigh irritation. Readers must feel hope, not resentment.
Romance has no age limit
Dearen has written a 50-year-old hero — and even a 90-year-old grandmother with her own romantic subplot. Love stories resonate at every stage of life.
Romance isn’t about youth. It’s about emotional connection.
The core takeaway
Compelling romance characters:
- Have meaningful flaws — but not deal-breaking ones
- Possess a noble core
- Demonstrate growth
- Feel relatable
- Inspire readers to root for their happiness
In romance, readers don’t just observe love stories. They emotionally invest in them. When characters feel human — imperfect yet redeemable — readers don’t merely finish the book.
They remember it.
Explore Marlowe (our A.I. fiction manuscript analysis tool): authors.ai/marlowe
Interested in watching the full interview? Click here: First Draft Friday #30: Writing characters your readers will love
