Why is the hero mean to the heroine in the romance novel?

Maybe the hero has a very strong and intimidating presence. His power, either physical or in terms of status, might be overwhelming to the heroine. For example, if he is a king or a very wealthy nobleman, the heroine, who could be from a lower social class, might be afraid of the power imbalance between them.

It could be because of her unique personality or charm that catches his attention and makes him unable to resist.

Sometimes, it's a plot device to create tension. A scared heroine adds an element of mystery and drama. The author might use this to gradually develop the relationship between the two characters. As the story progresses, the hero can then work to gain the heroine's trust, making the romance more interesting.

They offer a sense of innocence. It's like seeing love in its purest form, untainted by past experiences. For example, in many such novels, the characters are experiencing love for the very first time, and that makes their emotions more intense and relatable.

Maybe she has had some bad experiences related to so - called heroes in real life, which makes her cynical about the idealized heroes in romance novels.

It could be that the hero is so focused on other goals, like achieving a great career or avenging a wrong, that he doesn't have time for the heroine. He might think that romance would be a distraction from what he really wants to do. For example, if he's on a mission to save his family's honor, he might see a relationship as something that could get in the way of his pursuit of justice.

Maybe it's because of some misunderstandings or past conflicts. Sometimes, family members have their own biases and preconceived notions that cause them to dislike the heroine without a good reason.

One such novel could be 'The Wicked Duke' where the duke's initial behavior towards the heroine is quite harsh, but their relationship evolves over time.

Often, it could be due to a lack of communication or understanding between the two. Maybe the hero is used to having things his way and doesn't realize how his actions affect the heroine.

Sometimes, it's a plot device to create conflict and tension. The mistreatment might lead to character growth and a more meaningful resolution in the story. Maybe the hero has misperceptions or misunderstandings that cause his behavior.