In light of the romance novel's extensive history, little research has been conducted on variations to the traditional romance plot and characters. Virtually no research has focused on the lesbian romance novel. The current study compares the plot, heroine, and hero themes of heterosexual romantic fiction with five lesbian romance novels. Each of the three main theme areas was examined and additional themes, unique to the lesbian romance, were noted. Most heterosexual plot and heroine themes were found in all five lesbian novels. The hero character and themes were the most divergent. One additional theme was found in four of the five lesbian novels.
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These novels include: [Karin] Kallmaker’s (1994)Painted Moon[...] and [Peggy] Herring’s (1998)A Moment's Indiscretion [...].[...] [Lyn] Denison’s first book with Naiad Press,Dream Lover (1997) was chosen. [...] Katherine Forrest’s 1983 novel,Curious Wine, is hailed as the most popular lesbian novel in the world today [...]. The final novel, Diana Simmonds’ (1996)Heart On Fire [...]. (7)
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For the most part, the plot themes of both the heterosexual and lesbian romance novels are strikingly similar.The only exception is that there is little verbal clashing between the two main characters.The virtual absence of this, however, does not significantly change the structure of the romance novel plot.As in heterosexual novels, the heroine and hero/love interest of the lesbian romance experience relational conflict, danger, and last minute love confessions, and happy endings. (50)
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In one way or another, the heroines of lesbian romance novels may be considered as lonely as the heterosexual novel heroines. (52)
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With the exception of age, the heroine of the lesbian romance novel is nearly identical to the heterosexual heroine.She is lonely and innocent, at least in regard to lesbianism.She is independent and yet she is not fulfilled until she finds her one true love.This is especially true in the lesbian romance since she has not even found her true sexuality until she meets her lover.While she may not stand out as beautiful, she is unique in the fact that she arouses her love interest, which has often not been seeking out a relationship.Finally, the heroine does reject one aspect of the typical female role since she does not desire marriage and children.Overall, the lesbian heroine differs very little from the heterosexual heroine. (58)
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Lesbian romance novel love interests are not rakes needing to be reformed nor are they in need of domesticating.In this vein, lesbian romances are missing the theme that requires that the heroine tame the hero. (60)
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Overall, the hero/love interest character is the most different aspect of the lesbian romance in contrast to the heterosexual romance novel.While she is also emotionally strong and her intentions toward the heroine are sometimes misunderstood, she does not pursue the heroine in an overt and callous manner.Further, she does not engage in harsh behavior towards the heroine, nor does she have a promiscuous past.She is quite different from her male counterpart featured in heterosexual romance novels. (63)
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the heroine of a lesbian romance novel is treated with respect and understanding. She is not belittled by her love interest nor does she face the uncertainty of a hero's disdain.
The absence of this traditional romance theme is replaced with the heroine’s “coming out” situation. (66)
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lesbian romance novels give hope to the reader that lesbianism can be accepted by society.Also, serious issues of coming out, developing relationships and finding her true self can be resolved peacefully and in a positive manner.Since in the world of romance fiction there is no backlash for living as a lesbian, the characters of these novels demonstrate that the future of lesbian couples need not be lived in the shadows but can exist publicly. (69)
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