The romantic rivalry and friendship among the three characters against the backdrop of the family's declining fortunes forms the main story in the novel.
This friendship continues to develop, but is strained by romantic rivalry over Fred (cf. "Waiting in the Wings").
The romantic rivalries thus created are heightened by the two men's ongoing debate about the letter versus the spirit of the law.
Brock Enright and his cast of players offer "reality adventures" - chase scenes, unidentified assailants, romantic rivalries - to paying clients.
Two years later, Robert's girlfriend comes forward to police and reveals that he was murdered by his friend after a romantic rivalry turned deadly.
There is also a romantic rivalry in their fight over the girl Inga (Lysaker).
Other ground rules are designed to manage romantic rivalry.
Two sets of romantic rivalries involve Xanthe, her friend and her sister.
Some squalid romantic rivalry, I suppose, and the young noble bested you.
Still other ground rules are designed to manage romantic rivalry and jealousy.