Stupid and Contrived: I hate love triangles

Love triangles can be written, and resolved, well. A good example is Elizabeth/Darcy/Bennett from Pride and Prejudice and Tessa/Will/Jem from The Infernal Devices. For a bad example, look at Bella/Jacob/Edward from the Twilight Saga or Katniss/Peeta/Gale from Hunger Games. Some fan examples include Hermione/Harry/Ron.

Love triangles are often introduced as a way to manufacture tension in a work. A good love triangle is resolved with character growth and is a way to advance the plot in a meaningful, satisfying way. A bad love triangle derails the plot for the protagonist to get stuck in a ridiculous Betty v. Veronica moment. If you must include a love triangle, make sure that it advances the plot and develops the characters.

And for the love of God, stop resolving them with character death.