Hi Adrock,
I like your way of thinking about this, and have highlighted a couple of points in your post that I think are especially relevant.
The root of sexual rivalry, in my own humble opinion, lies in tension, jealousy, oneupmanship, humiliation, betrayal etc. Therefore the writer seeks multiple voices, events and inflection points to really stoke up the dramatic tension until the act of sex-fighting brings the ultimate release. So I agree with your point that its often the
bunch of other issues that can 'add the extra spice'.
For example, in my own Boarding School Queens story I am constantly thinking about other factors that will heighten the sense of tension and rivalry between the two principal protagonists, Mhairi and Helen.
The examples that you give, such as family squabbles etc, can certainly help contribute to the build-up of tension and, for what its worth, here are two things I have learned from my first writing attempt that it is important to pay attention to: 1) The overall narrative and where you are planning it is eventually going to end up; 2) Motive. In other words, are the protagonists actions and reactions to plot developments logical enough? I get that we are talking fantasy here but don't skimp on providing your actors sufficient motive for their actions. Shakespeare certainly didn't!
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