This is a plot point that pushes the two characters together.

Tangled: Rapunzel knows that Flynn is a thief who wants the crown, and because of Mother Gothel, she knows to be weary of ruffians and thugs. This should tie in to the greater theme and conflict of the greater plot.This is the “Heart Hole” or more specifically… the reason your character will refuse to fall in love.This doesn’t have to be the first time they ever meet AND can be integrated into the intro beat.

The first interaction between the two characters.

In Tangled: Rapunzel is starting her days at 7 AM locked away in her tower and Flynn Rider is just being his criminal self.

This is their starting state when the romance between them seems far-fetched.

This could be separately (before the meet cute) or with them together.

Act One: Set-up Intro H1 & H2 (introduce the love interests) Rapunzel finds love along the way, and I think it’s a great example to illustrate this story structure and how this structure could be incorporated into a romance or a romantic subplot. You could argue that the romance in Tangled isn’t exactly a sub-plot…but Rapunzel’s main goal isn’t to find love…it’s to escape her tower and reunite with the life she had lost. Also, I don’t write in the romance genre, but all of my books have heavy romantic subplots. Quick disclaimer: This overview is pretty true to Gwen Hayes’ beats, but I might have rephrased or grouped the beats a little differently. While writing the post: 5 Tips for Writing Romantic Subplots, my fifth tip was to utilize romantic story structure and I recommend checking out Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes (which also has a Scrivener template).

Rapunzel sun outline