romancecentric

Romance-centric is an adjective used in literary and media criticism to describe works in which romantic relationships are the central narrative drive, theme, or emotional focus. The term is descriptive rather than a formal genre label and can be applied to fiction, film, television, and other media. It often contrasts with works where romance is secondary or merely a mood rather than the main engine of the plot.

In romance-centric works, the core arc usually centers on the development of a relationship between the principal characters, the obstacles they must overcome, and the emotional payoff of their union. These works typically emphasize character growth, intimate dynamics, and the pacing of the romance, though they may span a range of tones from lighthearted to serious, historical to contemporary, or realistic to fantastical.

Critics and marketers use the label to discuss audience expectations and representation. In academic contexts, romance-centric analysis may examine gender dynamics, consent, agency, and the ways romance shapes plot structure. In marketing, the phrase signals to readers or viewers that the emotional payoff of the relationship is a primary selling point.

Romance-centric is not a formal genre; many works blend romance with other genres or reserve romance for a subplot. Conversely, some titles marketed as romance may be considered only marginally romance-centered by critics. Classic examples often cited include novels like Pride and Prejudice, while contemporary examples include a broad range of romance-focused fiction and media.

See also: romance novel, romantic comedy, fan fiction, shipping, relationship arc.