Two lovers want to be together, but they are prevented from doing so by some difficult obstacle. The excuses the loved ones think of to outwit the opposition. Very common is the struggle of the young loving couple with a cranky old father, an overly enthusiastic mom, or a sour aunt.
Exampless
• Marriage prevented by inequality of rank.
• Inequality of fortune an impediment to marriage.
• Marriage prevented by enemies and contingent obstacles.
• Marriage forbidden on account of the young woman's previous betrothal to another.
• Marriage forbidden on account of the young woman's previous betrothal to another, complicated by an imaginary marriage of the beloved object.
• Free union impeded by the opposition of relatives.
• Family affection disturbed by the parents-in-law.
• Free union impeded by the incompatibility of temper of the lovers.