rom-com tropes

Rom-com tropes are the recurring plot devices, character types, and situations that appear repeatedly in romantic comedies.

These include the meet-cute (an awkward or charming first encounter), enemies-to-lovers, the fake relationship that becomes real, the grand gesture, and the race to the airport.

Audiences recognize these conventions and often enjoy them despite—or because of—their predictability: It hits every rom-com trope but somehow still works.