What type of story connects Taylor Swift’s songs “august,” “cardigan,” and “betty”?

Taylor Swift’s “august,” “cardigan,” and “betty” form a fictional love triangle.

Each song presents a different viewpoint within the same imagined story involving James, Betty, and the unnamed narrator of “august.” The songs also move across different moments in the characters’ lives, allowing the listener to piece together the relationships gradually.

“august” focuses on a fleeting summer romance from the perspective of the girl James dates while he is connected to Betty. “cardigan” centers on Betty’s memories, while “betty” follows James as he tries to apologize.

Swift referred to this group as a teenage love triangle. It became one of Folklore’s most discussed narrative devices because the songs reward listeners who compare their details rather than treating each track as an isolated story.