My Dark Romeo

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content, child abuse, child death, gender discrimination, and emotional abuse.

Dallas Townsend and Romeo Costa’s dynamic illustrates the complex power dynamics that often define intimate relationships. In Dallas and Romeo’s relationship, both characters fight for power because they want to control the other and claim agency over themselves. Romeo exhibits dominating, emotionally abusive behaviors because he doesn’t see Dallas as “a three-dimensional character with needs, wants, and motivations” (36). He holds misogynistic beliefs, seeing her as a beautiful, bratty, and immature young woman who he can manipulate to get his way and exact his revenge against Madison Licht and Romeo Costa, Sr. (Senior). Because he regards her as weak, inexperienced, and one-dimensional, he not only finds it easy to manipulate her but also feels no guilt about treating her like a captive pawn in his larger plan. His behavior meanwhile angers Dallas and forces her to play Romeo’s power games to regain control of her life.

Dallas toys with Romeo to prove herself to him and to regain power within a limiting situation. Because her marriage was arranged, she had no choice about leaving her home and family in Chapel Hills and moving to Potomac with Romeo.