Two Paths Converged…
No, not talking about the road less traveled. I’m talking about the hero and heroine in a romance.
In a romance, what we’re writing about is two people who are on separate paths…paths that are destined to intersect. And of course, we want to write about that collision that happens when the paths do cross!
I was thinking about this as I was working on final proof corrections for Hajar’s Hidden Legacy (UK Jan 2012).
It opens with their paths colliding, as the heroine kind of bursts, unwanted, into the hero’s life, and it ends with them walking on the same path, hand in hand.
And I think ultimately, that’s the goal. The take two people who have different pasts, different goals, different beliefs and values even, and bring them together. To build a bond between them that is so strong, that the reader will believe that they are ready, in the end, to leave the separate paths, and merge together, going in a new direction together.
I think a (not THE key, but a key) to that is to make sure both characters change. Don’t have the hero drag the heroine onto his path and frog march her down it into the happily ever after that he knows is good for her!
To me, it’s so satisfying when they can both be better because of each other. When the hero brings out the heroine’s strength, when the heroine can help the hero find his vulnerability. When they can both teach each other love and compromise.
I so much enjoy watching, not just attraction, but friendship blossoming between a h & H. I love it when I can imagine them talking and laughing fifty years after the book ends.
I love picturing them happy, after all the drama is over, walking hand in hand down their shared path.
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Nice post. Yep, change is the key, I think. There’s nothing gripping about a romance that neither of the characters have to work for, IMHO. You want to see them become stronger people because of it. And I reckon that’s the hard part for a writer – getting the characters to change, especially when they think they’re already fine, is difficult! 🙂 *Jackie goes away thinking about doing a post on the glory of the character arc*
“When the hero brings out the heroine’s strength, when the heroine can help the hero find his vulnerability.” I like this. It’s very Presents. 🙂 I’m more of a Blaze gal, so my h/h journeys may or may not involve strength & vulnerability — but cange is always key!
(Tho I’ve read a few v. satisfying romances where only one character changes. It can be done and done well — but best if it doesn’t involve dragging!)
I love that you started this post with my very favorite quote. *sigh*
And, yes, I have joked before that a good book is one that you hug when it ends. I really do that. Press it against my chest and sigh, “Aww.” I should note here that this isn’t quite the same with a Kindle, but I have been known to do that. O_o
Your passion for the shared path shows through your writing Maisey!
Jackie, of course there are books that are exceptions to this, but in general, yes, I think the characters changing each other are what make for a good book. It’s what demonstrates that they have to be together. That it’s only the h for the H and vice versa. 😀
Ruthie, yes, it’s all in the execution, and I know it’s been pulled off. Usually in my books one character needs change more than another if for no other reason than 50K words makes it tough to fit in two heavy conflicts. But yes, yay for no dragging!
Jessica, that’s such a lovely compliment! I also think that endeavoring to bring about the characters onto the ‘shared path’ helps remind me that I’m writing romance and there have to be real romantic moments, not just in bed.