These stories usually use "romance" as a metaphor for Alice reclaiming her agency from men who try to define her reality. 3. The Childhood Sweetheart (Alice & Jack/Harts)

When a romantic interest is introduced, the story often shifts from Alice’s internal growth to a "rescue" mission, which some feel dilutes Carroll’s original subversion of Victorian expectations for women.

2. The Dark Obsession (Alice & The Caterpillar/Various Villains)

This storyline leans into the "beauty and the beast" trope, where two misunderstood souls find sanctuary in each other's madness.