One trope I've noticed, but that didn't really fit in the earlier discussion of Mary Sues...I've run into quite a few paragraphs like this: "Elizabeth knew she looked horrendous. Darcy had caught her in her oldest, baggiest sweatpants and a ratty t-shirt. She'd cried herself to sleep last night, so she was exhausted, her face still blotchy. She'd been in such a rush that morning that she hadn't bothered with makeup--not that it would have done any good, since she'd been sweating profusely as she worked. What's more, it was a windy, humid day, and she was sure her hair looked like an explosion of a steel wool factory. Oh well, she'd just have to hope he didn't notice. Darcy, meanwhile, stared at her in awe, thinking he'd never seen her look more ravishing."
(Obviously, I've exaggerated.) This type of description can be believable to me if there is a strong emotional reason for Darcy to think thus--say, if Elizabeth has just given birth or something. In most cases, though, it seems the author is just attempting to show that his love is not superficial. Surely there is a better way to make the same point.
(Obviously, I've exaggerated.) This type of description can be believable to me if there is a strong emotional reason for Darcy to think thus--say, if Elizabeth has just given birth or something. In most cases, though, it seems the author is just attempting to show that his love is not superficial. Surely there is a better way to make the same point.