Writing Ramble: Chemistry Isn't Just Random Characters

Having character chemistry is more than having several random characters who are together. Chemistry is specifically when these characters "bounce off" of each other. How do they do that? They expose each other's major traits. 

Without other characters, someone's traits might be highly subdued. If you need to highlight your character is persnickety, that may not come out if they have a lot of demands at a restaurant. "I would like a cheeseburger, hold the cheese, no pickles, no tomatoes, and extra bacon and I want medium-sized fries and a large coke with two cubes of ice." I might not even get that persnickety is the intent here. I don't pay attention to how people order at restaurants, for all I know that might be normal. 

That's why we got side characters. Side characters are there to develop your plot, but also your other characters. 

So we get Missy with her restaurant order, then Bob goes, "Uh, can I get a cheeseburger and like, an oreo shake?" 

"The ice cream machine isn't working." 

"Oh okay." And then, he doesn't even get a cheeseburger, he gets a plain burger and he's like "oh okay this is my life now."

Character chemistry is when two characters rub off on each other. How do you get stuff to rub? Friction. 

Take two traits, one from either character, that could reasonably see a plot between them. This doesn't mean they have to fight. Uh, I'm thinking MLP here in "Green Is Not Your Color" where Fluttershy and Rarity don't fight throughout the entire episode, but what's going on is that Rarity is letting Fluttershy have a model role despite being intensely envious, while Fluttershy hates being on stage, but wants to model because she thinks Rarity would be happy. 

Now personally, I dislike the episode because if they just spoke English for two minutes, the entire plot would be resolved, but this is essentially a way of having chemistry without having them draw swords and fight for twelve hours. Remember, adults shouldn't have petty high school drama.

Sometimes there's also more positive chemistry, where two traits work in combination to strengthen each other, instead of strengthening each other by friction (negative chemistry). We got Spongebob and Patrick. Spongebob is naive, Patrick is slow and stupid. They get into plots because they're both morons. Schtupids. 

Add in Squidward, some negative chemistry. All of a sudden, we get a trifecta.

 

One thing I always notice, sticks out like a sore red thumb that's swollen to the size of the sun, is that sometimes only two characters are created for each other. Almost like they're twins. Almost like they only go well with each other, and everyone else has minimal chemistry. And if there's a female who's in love with a character, may she be blessed! Because she's only going to have chemistry with the main dude.

Each of your main characters needs a relationship with each other member of the main characters (unless your main characters are split. Like I mean, if the main character has friends at work and friends at home, obviously those don't have to meet). How does, I dunno, main character best friend treat the lady? 

"Okay, but you can't have chemistry at some point. Like, I got eight characters . . . " 

Entire DND session has lots of chemistry, has just as many characters, each with starring roles. Eight characters? Eight characters is easy. Fifteen characters is easy. 

Remember, two traits that go against each other. Simple, easy, sweet. Or, two traits that combined, boost each other. Every character boost each other.