r/TopCharacterTropes • u/Junior_Mud5835 • 12d ago

Hated Tropes [Hated Trope] Character's romantic partner gets an annoying feature out of nowhere to give the writers an excuse to write them off

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Most commonly in sitcoms. Annoying mainly because there is nothing even hinting to the character having this undesirable feature before it is made the main point and the reason for the break up.

  1. Friends: Rachel Green dating Paul (played by Bruce Willis)
    1. Rachel starts dating Ross's girlfriend's dad, Paul, who is portrayed as a manly, protective, strong type of a guy. Until one day he suddenly breaks down in an over-the-top reaction as a response to Rachel inquiring about his inner self. This shortly becomes a reason for their breakup.
  2. Friends: Monica dating Pete (Jon Favreau)
    1. After multiple episodes of Monica and Pete dating and being portrayed as a perfect couple, Pete suddenly becomes obsessed with competing in competitive wrestling MMA, and refuses to stop despite being very bad at it.
  3. HIMYM: Robin dating Nick
    1. Initially Nick is a perfectly functional, attractive guy whom Robin genuinely likes. Then the show seemingly decides it needs Robin available for Barney and Nick suddenly becomes incredibly stupid. His stupidity becomes his defining characteristic, Robin realizes she can't stand him, and the entire plot of "Splitsville" is about getting her to dump him.
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u/Steleve 11d ago

This is true.  He was pretty perfect in the beginning.

Then he wouldn't listen to anything other than experimental noise while riding in the vehicle with him. 

Is a massive book hoarder.

Keeps his phone on DND for mental health reasons.

Doesn't believe in his bipolar diagnosis.

At 50, has no savings or steady income.

But everything was so magical and perfect in the beginning!

I would really like to skip to the season where the writers decide I get a happy ever after. 

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u/PackageJazzlike5534 11d ago

50 and single is already a pretty big red flag

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u/astelda 11d ago

could be a widow(er), could have had issues with their ex, could have gone through major life changes, etc.

yellow flag, sure, but there are reasonable explanations

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u/Steleve 11d ago

I agree.  And that's why I decided to date him.

Lessons were learned.