will be examined within the framework of how romance fiction positions young women to find a prince to escape the problems of contradictory gender roles in society (Gilbert, 1991). The two central characters of Pascal's (1998) Sweet Valley High: A Picture-Perfect Prom are twins, Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield. Both girls are beautiful and popular, though are oppositional in relation to their personalities. Jessica is an extroverted character who is extremely concerned with her appearance and the calibre of people she associates with. Elizabeth is conservative and more concerned with her academic pursuits. She is unconcerned with appearances and is more interested in people's personalities. For the purpose of this essay, Elizabeth's character will be examined in detail. The twins are described in the following manner:
             In spite of their absolutely identical sun-kissed shoulder-length blond hair, willowy athletic figures, and bright eyes the colour of the Pacific Ocean, their interests and personalities were as different as sweater sets and ball go
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