What up jerks. Long time, no talk. Question of chemistry. I still talk to some of you, so if you know the novel I'm working on, you know it's character driven.
For those who I don't speak with on the regular, read below.
Question (s): how do YOU go about building chemistry between a character and another. Doesn't even have to be sexual. In this case, it's a strange in between type relationship. What are some examples of great literary chemistry and what made them great?
In books a relationship will begin usually because one person has something the other needs. Not always an object, of course, but sometimes an object! Usually a personality trait the other lacks.
Well, this isn't literary and I can't think of anything off the top of my head - but your title made me think of Breaking Bad, Walt & Jesse.
If you don't watch, they're from different generations - Teacher/Student. They don't necessarily like each other, but their chemistry is they're the best at what they do (cooking meth) and they NEED each other to run the business and to stay alive. They are on somewhat friendly terms and do get a little closer and start to reveal aspects about their personal lives. But essentially, it starts off as a working relationship and they have respect for one another's skill - the closeness evolves because of the dire situations at hand.
Hope that helps. But that's the best meth related chemistry I can think of right now.
Thanks both, the meth comment was a joke FYI, but I appreciate the initiative.
With the idea of teacher/student, you can also go with any relationship that forces two people together. Co-workers, customer/waitress, drunk/bartender, etc. The more they dislike each other at first, the more dramatic the switch to liking each other becomes.
While disliking each other, find something to admire about the each character. For example, a conflict in "I hate his attitude toward work, but I like how he treats homeless people" might make a second character see the first in a new light. Being attracted to each other comes naturally to intense people, also.
I think.
"I hate his attitude toward work, but I like how he treats homeless people"
You'd be surprised how often I think this.
Howie you magnificent SOB! You've totally redeemed LR. Good advice.
"You've totally redeemed LR."
Matt Attack - back on LR for less than an hour, already pisses me off.
HAHA, it's from the heart. I won't stay long. Plus, I gots ta be me
I AM YOUR
Oddly Howie looks a lot like Heisenberg. http://tdylf.com/2011/01/16/the-greatest-american-anti-hero-seven-great-tv-anti-heroes/
I think another thing to remember is that identify is relative. Here in America I don't have much in common with a aspiring translator who is really in painting and rugby in his free time. Drop us both off in Kenya and we are pumped to see someone from back home.
MattAttack, you should look into Asian dramas. In Hong Kong drama, for example, you build chemistry by having two or more characters go through some sort of conflict. A set of policemen capturing a thief. This is my Asian take on things.
Chemistry, from real life, I have a lot of that. I think I hire people based on chemistry on a platonic level. Instant sense of trust, warm welcome. When I think of people chemistry, I think of good things. Chemistry makes the job easier. Human instinct: this person has a good heart and is trustworthy. Human instinct: this person will watch my back. When I think of chemistry, I think of me and someone else being on the same page with effective communication.
No matter how far apart we are, we know that the other person will be okay and we don't have to worry about them.
I told everyone that I decided to take a pretend trip to Ireland last week, and so everyone left me alone. When I came back, I've become more vibrant in my own life. I was able to reconnect with other people. In all honesty, I almost flunked the real chemistry class, but I switched to French II before it was too late.
Chemistry, for me, is a good thing even though it might not sound great. Chemistry flows. Then again, I'm a newbie writer who knows nothing about writing. I'm downplaying myself to sound humble. My ego has grown and am trying to go on an ego diet.
I misread the name of the thread and was really excited about answering a chemistry question.
Regarding the other kind of chemistry, I think the best kind is basic: when the characters and plot both grow and benefit as a result of their interaction with one another.
Literary chemistry. Here are some examples I love (movies/TV too): Tristran and Yvaine in Stardust; Shadow and Wednesday in American Gods; Donna Noble and The Doctor in season 5 of the new Doctor Who; Maddie and David in Moonlighting; Mary and Matthew in Downton Abbey; Sam and Dean in Supernatural; Daisy and Jay in Gatsby; Aziraphale and Crawley in Good Omens
conflict - plain and simple - any and all conflict... it is what drives the human animal. Conflict=interest... there you go, the keys to the kingdom, have fun- play hard. - good to hear from you btw - hope the novel kicks ass - let me know if you'd like an alpha reader..
Fritz
Tristran and Yvaine in Stardust
That was beautiful chemistry.
