Historical Romance Formula Trivia Quiz

Answer: All of these

Those of you who have read dozens of romance novels are well aware that our beautiful damsel-in-distress is typically spirited (or feisty), a virgin (but passionate), and usually so small she just reaches the top of our hero's shoulder.

Answer: Sensitive

Ah, yes. The heroes are usually tall, dark, and handsome (unless they are a golden god). They are always big, muscular, and ready to fight off all the villains. And let's not forget rich, because who wants to fall in love with a poor guy? Not the ladies in historical romances! The one trait usually lacking in these larger-than-life males is sensitivity. Of course, our dear heroine will eventually bring out his tenderness, but that's for the end of the novel!

Answer: Feudal Japan

There are countless Regency romances--bawdy versions of "Pride and Prejudice", if you will. Another favorite is the Viking Age. This barbaric time period allows the writer to let the heroine be captured on a raid, turned into a slave, and then, of course, "tame" her captor. Similarly, the American Wild West is a good setting for writers who want to throw their heroines into various situations, which eventually lead to them relying on brooding gunslingers. Alas, Feudal Japan has seen little romantic action--at least in the world of romance novels.

Answer: Beautiful girl is stalked by murderer

While romance novels utilize all types of subplots--including murder, kidnapping, and suspense--the major plot always revolves around the romance. The hero and heroine are often thrown together in desperate situations, such as a poverty-stricken maiden marrying to save her family. Subplots, that can include stalkers and jealous lovers, are always secondary literary devices.

Answer: They strongly dislike each other

If you have read even one romance novel, then you know that the hero and heroine MUST be at odds with one another for any reason imaginable. Maybe they belong to warring clans or they think the other is a fortune hunter. Whatever the reason, they must dislike each other at first, all the while being wildly attracted to one another.

They rarely develop a deep friendship, as most of the novel is spent describing their mutual lust, and they almost never profess their love immediately. Heck, in some books the love confession occurs on the last page of the book!

Answer: Jude the Obscure

"Pamela" by Samuel Richardson and "The Sheik" by E.M. Hull are tales of unfortunate young women who capture the hearts of their masters. Jane Austen's "Persuasion" revolves around the theme of lost love. In contrast, Thomas Hardy's "Jude the Obscure" focuses on the tumultuous life of an idealistic young man.

Answer: All of them

Mr. Darcy, from "Pride and Prejudice", is the richer-than-God, seemingly cold gentleman that many romance novel heroes are based upon.

Heathcliff of "Wuthering Heights" is the prototype Byronic hero, described by Lady Caroline Lamb as being "mad, bad, and dangerous to know".

Mr. Rochester, from "Jane Eyre", is the tortured, must-be-saved-by-love type of hero that is ubiquitous in romance novels.

Answer: Characters

For a romance novel, the two main characters (i.e., the hero and heroine) are the most important aspect of the tale. The setting is pivotal, as the love story will be greatly enhanced by its setting (e.g., think Elizabethan England or the Antebellum South). Plot, too, is an important device used to move the story along.

The plot is the main tool the author uses to keep the hero and heroine continuously at odds. However, a romance novel basically boils down to the two people who are madly in love/lust.

Answer: Oscar

Deveraux's character, Hayden Lane, explains: "As every romance writer and reader knows, there are virile names and nonvirile names...Adam and Alexander are good names, and every romance writer has at some time named her hero Nicholas".

Answer: Provide a satisfying, happily-ever-after ending

According to the Romance Writers of America, a romance novel must have an "emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending." However, most readers will learn a lot about the book's specific time period. They will also likely encounter some erotic scenes and possibly a bodice-ripper cover.

In defense of romance novel readers: I read them because they are funny, easy-to-read, and uplifting. I can read James Joyce one week, but I don't mind reading Johanna Lindsey the next week.