Betty and Veronica syndrome
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For the Veronica Mars episode, see Betty and Veronica (Veronica Mars).
Betty and Veronica syndrome is a term used in comics, television series and movies for when the protagonist has two potential romantic interests, thus assuring that neither relationship will come to full fruition without the protagonist having to choose one or the other.
The name is derived from Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and rivals for the heart of Archie Andrews in Archie Comics.
It is often used in both American and Japanese comics. Other well-known examples are the Silver-Age Superman's relationships with Lois Lane and Lana Lang, the Silver-Age Spider-Man's relationships with Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson, and to pretty much any harem anime comedy, such as Tenchi Muyo, Ranma 1/2 and Love Hina.
The "Betty and Veronica syndrome" has even shown up in other comic series produced by Archie Comics, notably their Sonic the Hedgehog series. Throughout the series, Sonic the Hedgehog's main love interest has been Princess Sally Acorn. However, Sonic has also won the affections of Mina Mongoose shortly after her introduction. That love triangle was ended when Mina fell in love with Ash.
In the 1994, Kevin Smith intentionally used the structure in his debut movie Clerks. for the main character of Dante, even naming the Veronica character "Veronica". He reprises this structure with two new characters in the sequel Clerks II. This prompts another character, Dante's best friend, co-worker, and tormentor Randal, to comment on it, saying "Why is it that you always have two hot girls arguing over you? You're the ugliest guy I've ever seen!".
It is also often used in television series. Well-known examples include Dawson's Creek (Dawson Leery with Joey Potter and Jen Lindley), Beverly Hills 90210 (Dylan McKay with Brenda Walsh and Kelly Taylor and then Kelly with Brandon Walsh and Dylan) and One Tree Hill (Lucas Scott with Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer).
Depending on the writer, it may vary how obvious the choice is. In the best, both rivals are developed enough that the protagonist would have to choose one or the other if the story dictated it. Sometimes, it will be out of the hero's hands, in the end, such as when Gwen Stacy died. In Tenchi Muyo "Tenchi Universe" continuity, Ryoko won the decision, by her rival conceding.
