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Leslie Tentler | Creating Synergy Between Characters
February 5, 2011
I love building relationships between main characters. In writing romance in
particular, it’s a lot like playing matchmaker – creating the perfect yin for
another character’s yang. “Yin and yang” is a Chinese concept that describes how
seemingly opposite forces are interconnected and interdependent. Sort of how you
want any exciting, romantic couple to be. In MIDNIGHT CALLER, my
debut romantic thriller, FBI agent Trevor Rivette was created first. Handsome
and intelligent (as most leading men are), he’s also serious, intense and hiding
some pretty troubling aspects of his past. I wanted to balance him by creating a
female lead with more lightness – but not too light, since after all it’s a dark
thriller. Rain Sommers emerged from that. She’s a witty, somewhat eccentric
radio show psychologist who has developed a following among New Orleans’s Goth
community due to her famous (and many years ago, murdered) mother. See? I told
you, not too light. In fact, that spooky “following” is how she becomes entangled in Trevor’s serial
murder investigation. This is important, since in romantic thrillers not only do
your lead characters need to have a strong physical chemistry, there also has to
be a darn good reason for them to be brought together repeatedly in the plot. There are multiple ways to make your male and female leads “opposites” of one
another. They can be from different socioeconomic backgrounds, or have vastly
different personalities and life experiences. Or maybe they simply have
motivations or goals that are in conflict. It’s often a mix of some or all of
the above. But despite their differences, there also has to be something each
finds so compelling about the other that they ultimately can no longer fight
their attraction and end up in one another’s arms. Like the yin and yang, being together should strengthen each character somehow.
For instance, Rain’s occupation takes a role in the relationship building, as
her training allows her to help Trevor begin to acknowledge and deal with some
of that darkness in his past. In romantic thrillers, it’s the danger that brings the characters together (and
I love experiencing it while I sit safe and comfy in my favorite reading spot).
But it’s their very real connection that ensures they will remain together – and
in your mind – long after the book is closed. Leslie Tentler MIDNIGHT CALLER/MIRA Books www.leslietentler.com
Comments
15 comments posted.
Re: Leslie Tentler | Creating Synergy Between Characters
this book sounds right up my alley,i must tell you i haven't read anything by you (yet) but would love to start with this booh. thank you
(Natalie Kozaczka 10:01am February 5, 2011)
I'm really intrigued by the plot of your book. I agree that the hero/heroine need to contrast to make it interesting, as long as the attraction makes sense (however illogical that sense may be sometimes).
(Maria Munoz 10:12am February 5, 2011)
I agree that contrast makes characters that have to work together or have a romantic relationship interesting. The catch is that the contrast has to be something resolvable so that they can put it aside to deal with each other. Sounds like you have a good one for this book.
(Carol Drummond 11:19am February 5, 2011)
romantic suspense books are a good read at any time, a mix of romance and suspense that keeps you entertained.
(Diane Sadler 11:31am February 5, 2011)
Congrats on your debut release, Leslie.
(Jane Cheung 1:55pm February 5, 2011)
Congratulations on your new release Leslie!
(Brenda Rupp 2:16pm February 5, 2011)
love the concept of attraction of opposites, they compliment each other - great concept!
(Diane Sallans 4:05pm February 5, 2011)
I love romantic suspense. I have a copy of your first book on
the way to me now. Is this a series or standalone?
(Lisa Richards 4:28pm February 5, 2011)
No matter how opposite, it is the'something in common' that I find compelling.
(Mary Preston 6:13pm February 5, 2011)
Hi everyone, thanks for coming by! (Lisa, it is part of what is called the "Chasing
Evil" trilogy. The stories are standalone but each feature a different FBI agent
working for the Violent Crimes Unit.)
(Leslie Tentler 8:36pm February 5, 2011)
I like the way you explained the characters for your book. That put it on my TBR list for sure!! I'm a firm believer in how opposites attract, or yin and yang, as you put it. My Husband and I are like that in many ways, and I suppose that's what drew us to each other, but there were several other reasons as well. Anyway, your book does sound like it's going to be a real page-turner, and I can't wait to read it. Congratulations and thank you for a refreshing blog post!
(Peggy Roberson 9:32pm February 5, 2011)
Strong characters make for excellent plot support. Sounds like an exceptionally good read; I'll look for it!!
(Susan Driskill 10:12pm February 5, 2011)
Thanks everyone for the great comments!
(Leslie Tentler 11:49pm February 5, 2011)
Sounds like a great read. Well done!!
(Mary Preston 3:47pm February 6, 2011)
Like the positioning of opposites, because when everything's the same it's too vanilla and predictable. With this combo of opposites, compliments might happen and so might battles with the inevitable making up possibly in creative ways.
(Alyson Widen 10:38pm February 13, 2011)
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