love interest
Plural
love interests
1
a person who is romantically or emotionally involved with another person, often a central character in a story or narrative
A love interest is a character in a story who is the focus of romantic affection from another character. This character often plays a significant role in the development of the plot, particularly in romance genres, and their relationship with the main character drives much of the emotional and narrative tension. The love interest might be someone who the main character is trying to win over, build a relationship with, or who complicates the main character's romantic journey.
- The movie's love interest was a mysterious stranger with a hidden past.
- His love interest in the book was a strong, independent character.
- They debated whether the hero's love interest was necessary for the plot.
- The director cast a famous actress as the main character's love interest.
- In the play, the love interest added emotional depth to the protagonist's journey.