Between Two Brothers, Again!

Love triangles are a prevalent trope that has been rising for some time. In the past two years especially we have seen directors play with this idea of falling in love with two brothers. But where did this trope come from and has it always been this popular?

What Is Up With This Trope? 

Two main questions arise from this particular genre and that is:

1. How does it not get repetitive?
2. Why are viewers and readers so invested in these love triangles? 

This trope began gaining popularity in the 2000s with shows like “The Vampire Diaries” (2009) and “Reign” (2013). In these shows, the love triangle did not play a major role in the development of the storyline. However, since the release of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” (2022) and continuing with “My Life with the Walter Boys” (2023) the trope has now overtaken the plot.

There are minor differences between each show and their storyline to make the plot interesting and seem less repetitive. Our generation is addicted to the drama these shows stir up! It creates a controversy and sides that ultimately determine the kind of person you are. 

Team Characterizations

With so many brothers to choose from you have to pick one from each show. It is said, by many TikTok users that the brother you choose reflects the kind of partner you are attracted to. 

Many people group the brothers from different shows into categories. For example, if you are team Damon, you are automatically teams Bash, Conrad, and Cole. Team Stefan is often placed with teams Francis, Jeremiah, and Alex. Team Damon represents the bad boys with a soft spot whereas Stefan’s group represents the sweethearts. 

Who’s Team Are You On? 

Here is a rapid-fire quiz for you to determine which team you belong to: 

1. Do you prefer 
   1. Sweet 
   2. Salty
2. Are you usually 
   1. In committed relationships 
   2. Not ready for committed relationships
3. Are you interested in
   1. Hyper and kind
   2. Broody and mysterious 
4. Are you an
   1. Extroverted person
   2. Introverted person
5. Which is more important to you
   1. Selflessness
   2. Confidence 

What Does This All Mean?

If your answers were mostly A, you are team sweethearts! 
This means you like a partner you can rely on and someone a little goofy. This partner will have your best interest at heart always and is the golden retriever brother.

If your answers were mostly B, you are team bad boys! 
This means you like an adventurous partner, you like the thrill and mystery of the whole relationship. Once your partner is committed to you, he has claimed you. He is the black cat of the two.

The Relatedness Of It All

Regardless of the side you choose, this trope is ever so complicated. Our hearts and minds get sucked into falling for the same types of boys over and over again. The drama and intensity of this love triangle fuels us to want to keep watching. 

Viewers enjoy the messiness and drama this trope has to offer more than the very niche two-brothers aspect. Many romantic movies play into the one soulmate rule. Love triangles dip their toes into the reality of a complicated but more realistic human love life.

What team are you on? Let VALLEY know by tweeting @VALLEYmag on X!

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