TECH: Three Characters in Search of Romance?

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

Writers Digest, September 2004, page 55 and 56, has an article by Michelle Bardsley concerning three kinds of personalities that are often used in romance. It starts with a quotation about just what character is. A character is "a set of inherent qualities in the imitation of a human being. What we call a character in a novel, play or movie bear close resemblance to human being but is not one." Interesting thought. While we may model our characters on real people, they are trimmed and cleaned up, fitted to our stories. Just as dialogue is not really the way people talk, even though it suggests the way they talk, so to a character is not really a person, even though it suggests a person to the reader.

Now, what are the characters that Michelle describes. Well, she calls them alpha, beta, and gamma characters (yeah, I know, that's jargon for A, B, and C). And for each one, she lists the attraction factor, fault line, bedroom antics (this is romance after all), and occupations.

So the alpha character is attractive because of physical and mental strength, fierce loyalty, and taking action. The alpha's faults are stubbornness, not liking having his views challenged, and not displaying emotion. Bedroom antics? Raw passion, and expects matching enthusiasm. Occupations include law enforcement, military officer, CEO, politician, pilot, and athlete. These are the alpha heroes, the man of action who take charge and make things happen.

The beta character is a good listener, practical and hard-working, and funny . He has faults -- he doesn't like to take risks, he hides behind humor, and he's too cautious. In the bedroom, he sets the mood with romantic gestures and takes it slow. For occupations, these are care providers, singers, veterinarians, accountants, counselors, and artists. The beta character can be a hero, but he is a man of words, not action.

Gamma characters are unafraid to lead, do consider others' ideas, and take calculated risks. They get in trouble because they overthink situations, avoid changes in the status quo, and work themselves into an early grave. Passionate, but romantic, setting the pace without demanding, their style in the bedroom keeps the pot boiling. They might be a doctor, lawyer, writer, scientist, forest ranger, or lifeguard. Gamma heroes are both men of action and of words.

Three short characterizations, for the man of action, the man of words, and the blend. Obviously, you will want to add details, building the cardboard cutout into a more well rounded character, but it's an interesting place to start. Will your hero be alpha, beta, or gamma? And how will the heroine react? Will she help him fight his inner demons, push him to go ahead and act, or get him out from behind the others?

Write!