How to Write Established Relationships
Established relationships, in particular, require careful consideration and development to make them feel authentic and relatable to your readers. An established relationship is one that has a history of shared experiences and a level of comfort and familiarity between the characters and can take many forms, such as long-term friendships, romantic partnerships, or even familial bonds. Writing established relationships requires a deep understanding of the characters’ backstories, the dynamics of their relationship, and how their connection influences their individual arcs.
Understand the dynamics of established relationships
- Established relationships have a history and shared experiences that shape their current state.
- Power dynamics, roles, and expectations within the relationship have been formed over time.
- Established relationships involve a level of comfort, familiarity, and trust between the characters.
- Conflicts and challenges in established relationships may be more complex and deeply rooted.
- Characters in established relationships have a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and quirks.
- Established relationships involve a sense of commitment, loyalty, or even obligation.
Develop their backstory
- How and when did the characters first meet, and what were their initial impressions?
- What significant events or experiences have the characters shared that have shaped their relationship?
- How has the relationship evolved over time, and what challenges or conflicts have they faced together?
- What are some of the defining moments or turning points in their relationship?
- How has the way the characters have grown and changed as individuals affected their relationship?
- What are some of the inside jokes, shared references, or traditions that are unique to their relationship?
Show the depth of their connection
- Use dialogue to reveal the characters’ familiarity, comfort, and understanding of each other.
- Show the characters engaging in shared activities or rituals that demonstrate their bond.
- Describe the characters’ nonverbal communication, like knowing glances or subtle gestures.
- Reveal the characters’ ability to anticipate each other’s needs, thoughts, or reactions.
- Show the characters supporting, comforting, or challenging each other in meaningful ways.
- Demonstrate the characters’ willingness to make sacrifices or compromises for the sake of their relationship.
Explore conflicts and challenges
- Identify the underlying tensions, differences, or unresolved issues in the relationship.
- Show how the characters navigate and cope with these challenges, both individually and as a pair.
- Explore how external factors, such as family, work, or personal goals, can strain the relationship.
- Demonstrate how the characters’ individual flaws or weaknesses can affect the relationship.
- Show the characters working through conflicts, compromising, or finding solutions together.
- Illustrate how the challenges and conflicts ultimately strengthen or change the relationship.
Develop character arcs
- Show how the relationship influences each character’s personal growth, decisions, and actions.
- Explore how the characters’ individual journeys affect the dynamics of the relationship.
- Show how the characters learn from each other and inspire growth or change.
- Show how the relationship evolves because of the characters’ individual development.
- Illustrate how the characters’ shared experiences and challenges shape their shared future.
- Reveal how the relationship ultimately supports or hinders the characters’ individual goals and desires.
Craft authentic dialogue and interactions
- Use inside jokes, nicknames, or references that are specific to the relationship.
- Show the characters finishing each other’s sentences or thoughts, demonstrating their deep understanding of the other.
- Use subtext and implication in dialogue to reveal the characters’ unspoken feelings or concerns.
- Demonstrate the characters’ ability to communicate effectively, even during conflicts or disagreements.
- Show the characters engaging in playful banter or teasing that reflect their comfort with each other.
- Illustrate the characters’ ability to have meaningful, vulnerable conversations that deepen their connection.
