Characters can have many types of relationships; they may be family, friends, colleagues, enemies, or romantic partners. A well-written relationship can add a lot of emotion to your story. But how do you create a relationship that readers get invested in?
I find that the key is writing a relationship where the characters are more likable together than they are alone. This could mean that an unlikable character improves in another's company or that two already likable characters become epic together. Either way, that contrast is what makes readers excited for those characters to share the page.
So how do you make the characters more likable when they are together? Perhaps the characters have complementary skills that allow them to move the plot forward when they work together. Perhaps the characters temper each others' more negative qualities. Perhaps the characters are more open about their thoughts and feelings around each other. Or maybe they just have excellent banter. The important thing is that the reader enjoys the moments when those characters interact with each other and wants them to do so again soon.
In BBC's Sherlock, the famous detective Sherlock Holmes is amusing to watch when he runs around annoying the police, but he's even more fun when he's interacting with John Watson. John treats Sherlock differently and gets a slightly softer and friendlier side of Sherlock in response. Watchers of the show begin to anticipate scenes where Sherlock lets his guard down around John.
John, on the other hand, can be a bit boring by himself, until Sherlock gives him permission to break the rules of society and do what needs doing. Around Sherlock, he becomes more honest and adventurous instead of staying calm and polite.
Both characters are more fun to watch together than they are apart.
Not all characters are as abrasive as BBC's Sherlock Holmes, but the same principle applies even when you're dealing with friendlier or more likable characters.
In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy often leave everyone else in the room behind when they talk. Their banter, even when they are angry, is fun to read and makes readers want the characters to talk to each other.
Conversely, characters who are less interesting when they are together make readers hate a relationship. Throughout BBC's Sherlock, John tries to date several women who do not get along with Sherlock. Around these women, John is constantly being disinterested in the plot and shutting Sherlock down.
Later, his wife encourages John to join the plot and be Sherlock's friend. John is more likable around her and readers are happy to have her around.
You can use this principle to make your relationships more exciting or to intentionally make readers dislike a relationship (in small doses, please!). You can also use this principle as a "test" for character chemistry. How do the characters change when they are together? Are they more effective or entertaining? Or do they get boring and frustrating to watch? This principle should help you write relationships that your readers are invested in.
Happy Valentine's Day!
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