When Can You Forgive the Protagonist for Cheating?

Ashna Tibrewal · Post by **Ashna Tibrewal** » 19 Oct 2022, 10:37

I think when the protagonist is willing to move heaven and hell and proves that I think then it's okay to forgive.

Kendal Low · Post by **Kendal Low** » 31 Oct 2022, 08:28

I don't think cheating is acceptable under any circumstance. Obviously there are exceptions when the person is in an abusive relationship they can't get out of or when the other person in the relationship is really depriving them in the relationship. I can't say that I'd ever pick up a book knowing that it is about cheating.

Adekeye Hassan musab · Post by **Adekeye Hassan musab** » 21 Nov 2022, 03:19

I can never ever forgive a character for cheating, as in even the word infidelity creeps out. When I was reading " verity" by coolen hoover I almost left it off, if not for the fact that I always finish every book I read. Although, the cases of the mc there was almost appealable, but it is still cheating no matter the way it was written.

Gracy Patel · Post by **Gracy Patel** » 09 Jan 2024, 08:34

I would turn a blind eye to anything. Killing people for a living- Yeah sure I don't mind. Mental trauma- no worries I'll help you heal from it. Anger issues- ok nvm. Everything is fine but cheating nuh-uh I draw a line there. It was never ok and will never be. Coming from a person who got cheated on, I hate that shallow feeling, and idk maybe it should be illegal lol. I simply don't care that it's just a fictional world....cheating is still cheating.

Post by **Mari Thompson** » 19 Jan 2024, 01:41

I think the protagonist would genuinely have to forgive himself or herself for cheating somewhere in the storyline. Then, maybe, I would be able to forgive him or her.

Priya Mathew · Post by **Priya Mathew** » 19 Jan 2024, 04:16

While I may not personally endorse the idea of a protagonist cheating in a romance novel, I believe it's essential to consider the author's intentions and the potential narrative purpose behind such a twist. Authors often use unconventional plot elements to explore complex aspects of human relationships. In this case, the cheating might serve as a narrative device to delve into the intricacies of personal growth, the challenges within relationships, or the exploration of flawed characters.

However, it's important to draw a clear distinction between fictional narratives and real-life situations. In reality, I might not be as lenient when it comes to accepting infidelity, as the consequences are far-reaching and can have a profound impact on individuals and relationships.

In essence, while I may not agree with the author's choice to incorporate cheating into the storyline, I acknowledge that there could be a deliberate attempt to provoke thought and discussion, like we are doing right now!

Ambar Gill · Post by **Ambar Gill** » 18 Mar 2024, 14:19

I avoid books about cheating at all costs! It ruins the book for me. I can't justify cheating in real life and definitely not in my romance books where I'm thinking true love lives. So no, I can't forgive the protagonist and I would probably put the book down and not finish it. Such a shame

London Baum · Post by **London Baum** » 29 Apr 2025, 14:56

The only book where I have rooted for the couple to still end up together even though one of them cheated was the Magnolia Parks series. And it’s hard to say why that is without spoilers, but I will say that it was a flippant and meaningless thing it was heavy and never brushed under the rug and I think that helped too.