Love interest
What does “Love interest” mean?
A love interest is a character the main character is romantically drawn to, or who is drawn to them. In a romance novel he is usually the hero. In otome games and dating sims there are several love interests, and the player chooses which one to pursue. The term is used across books, films and games.
Love interest in books and film
In stories where romance is a subplot, the love interest supports the main plot. In romance novels, the love interest is co-lead, and the relationship is the plot. Writers often talk about making a love interest feel like a full person, with a life and goals that do not revolve only around the protagonist.
Romance readers have their own word for a love interest they adore: book boyfriend.
Love interest in games
In otome games and dating sims, love interests are the cast you choose from. Each one usually has a distinct type, a backstory and a route. Players compare them, rank them and argue over favorites. Good games give every love interest a reason to exist beyond being attractive.
The term LI is common shorthand in game fandoms, as in which LI did you pick first.
Love interest in Yome
Every one of Yome's 500 AI male leads is a love interest with a job, city, age, personality and photos. Desmond Hale drives an engine for Atlanta Fire Station 14. Julian Seo is a surgical resident who keeps score. Teo Marrero cooks on the night shift in Chicago. You choose who to like and how many to talk to.
Questions, answered
What does love interest mean?
A love interest is a character the protagonist is romantically interested in. In a romance he is usually the hero, and in games there may be several to choose from.
What does LI mean in games?
LI is short for love interest. It is common in otome game and dating sim communities, as in my favorite LI.
How many love interests does Yome have?
Yome has 500 written male leads. A few are Story leads with multi-chapter meetups, and all of them are AI characters in a work of fiction.