Which three fictional characters form the love triangle across Taylor Swift’s “august,” “cardigan,” and “betty”?

Augustine, James, and Betty form the love triangle across Taylor Swift’s “august,” “cardigan,” and “betty.”

The three songs appear on Folklore and tell connected parts of one fictional narrative. “august” presents Augustine’s perspective as she experiences a temporary summer romance with James. “betty” is associated with James’s perspective, while “cardigan” centers Betty’s experience.

James is already connected to Betty, so Augustine’s relationship with him is emotionally unequal and temporary. The songs do not function as a straightforward chronological plot in which every detail is explained directly; instead, Swift uses shifting narrators and recurring details to create a linked story.

Fans frequently call the songs the “teenage love triangle” or the Folklore love triangle. The names are fictional character identities within Swift’s songwriting concept, not confirmed references to a real-life relationship.