Building Magical Relationships in Fantasy Fiction

Creating relationships in fantasy fiction that resonate with readers requires more than just a touch of magic; it demands authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. While fantastical worlds and extraordinary plots captivate the imagination, it's the relationships between characters that ground a story and make it unforgettable. Whether it’s the bond between siblings, the tension between rivals, or the spark of a budding romance, relationships breathe life into the narrative, giving readers someone to root for and moments to cherish.

In this guide, we'll explore how to develop compelling relationships in fantasy fiction through chemistry, conflict, and growth. I'll share insights from my writing journey and examples from beloved fantasy works to illustrate how these dynamics can create connections that linger long after the final page.

Why Relationships Matter in Fantasy Fiction

At its core, fantasy fiction is about exploring the extraordinary. We delve into enchanted forests, scale mystical mountains, and battle creatures born of nightmares. Amidst these adventures, relationships act as a tether to reality, reminding readers of the human experiences that transcend worlds - love, trust, betrayal, and camaraderie.

Strong relationships not only enrich the plot but also deepen the stakes. A hero fighting for a cause is compelling, but a hero fighting to save a loved one or reconcile with an estranged friend creates an emotional pull that elevates the narrative. These relationships give characters their purpose and help readers form lasting emotional connections to the story.

Crafting Chemistry: The Heartbeat of Relationships

Chemistry in character dynamics isn't just for romantic pairings. It's the spark that makes any relationship - platonic, familial, or adversarial - feel alive and engaging. Chemistry arises from the interplay of personalities, shared experiences, and dialogue that feels natural.

1. Complementary Opposites

Consider how contrasting personalities can create sparks. Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings have vastly different temperaments. Frodo is introspective and burdened by responsibility, while Sam is loyal, optimistic, and grounded. Their differences create a dynamic where they rely on and balance each other, making their bond both endearing and essential.

2. Shared History

Shared backstories can establish instant chemistry. In my book Celeste and the Midnight Whale, Celeste shares a deep connection with Orin, the Midnight Whale. He is an ancient, mysterious being who understands Celeste’s destiny long before she does. Unlike a conventional mentor, Orin does not simply guide her - he seeks her out, recognising her as a future Star-Rider. Their bond is built on trust, wonder, and the quiet pull of fate, making their relationship both magical and deeply meaningful. Through their encounters, Celeste begins to embrace her purpose, discovering that sometimes, the most extraordinary friendships are the ones that lead us to who we are meant to become.

3. Natural Dialogue

Nothing kills chemistry faster than stiff, unnatural dialogue. The way characters speak to each other - whether through playful banter, sharp remarks, or moments of quiet understanding - can reveal the depth of their bond. Take His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, for example. The conversations between Lyra and Iorek Byrnison are filled with contrast. Lyra’s bold curiosity against Iorek’s stoic wisdom. She speaks to him with fearless confidence, while he responds with measured, weighty words that carry the weight of his experience. Their exchanges highlight not just their growing trust but also how they change each other - Lyra learning patience and responsibility, while Iorek softens in his protectiveness of her. Their dialogue isn’t just communication; it’s the foundation of a powerful and evolving friendship.

Conflict: The Forge of Relationships

No relationship is without its struggles, and in fantasy fiction, conflict often becomes the crucible where relationships are tested and forged. These conflicts make relationships feel real and give characters the opportunity to grow.

1. Internal Conflict

Internal struggles can create tension that adds depth to even the strongest relationships. For example, in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, the bond between Edmund and his siblings is tested when he succumbs to the temptations of the White Witch. Edmund’s internal conflict - torn between his desire for power and his love for his family - creates a powerful emotional arc, making his eventual redemption all the more meaningful.

2. External Obstacles

Sometimes, external forces drive conflict. In The Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta's relationship is tested by the brutal circumstances of the arena. The challenges they face together - survival, manipulation, and public scrutiny - shape their bond into something profoundly moving.

3. Miscommunication and Betrayal

Fantasy stories often rely on miscommunication or misunderstandings to create tension. While these elements can be powerful, they must be handled with care to avoid feeling forced. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the misunderstanding of Gatsby’s past and his true intentions by those around him, particularly Daisy, contributes significantly to the novel’s tension. The failure to communicate honestly and clearly leads to tragic consequences, mirroring how miscommunications can deepen conflict and complicate relationships in any story. When characters fail to understand one another, the unravelling of these misunderstandings often reveals deeper connections and ultimately defines the direction of the narrative.

Growth: The Evolution of Relationships

A static relationship is a missed opportunity. The most memorable relationships in fantasy fiction are those that evolve, showing how characters influence and transform each other over time.

1. The Journey

The journey - whether physical, emotional, or spiritual - often serves as a catalyst for growth. In The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Mary Lennox and Colin Craven form an unlikely alliance within the garden, a place of healing and self-discovery. Over time, their shared experiences in this secret space foster both emotional and physical growth, leading to personal transformations. The garden becomes a symbol of their blossoming relationship and inner strength, demonstrating the profound impact of shared challenges on personal development.

2. Redemption Arcs

Relationships built on redemption often carry deep emotional weight. In The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Max Vandenburg's relationship with Liesel, and later with Hans and Rosa Hubermann, beautifully illustrates this theme. Max, a Jewish man in hiding during the Nazi regime, embarks on a journey of healing and redemption through the kindness and sacrifices of the Hubermanns. Their unwavering support and Liesel’s own growth help Max rediscover his sense of humanity. As he bonds with Liesel, the two form a relationship rooted in mutual understanding and the transformative power of redemption.

3. Strength in Vulnerability

Growth often comes through vulnerability. Characters who open up to one another, revealing their fears and weaknesses, build stronger connections. In The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Celia and Marco are bound by a magical competition that tests their limits. As they confront their growing feelings for one another and face the consequences of their actions, their vulnerability deepens their bond, highlighting the power of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Through their emotional openness, they evolve not only as individuals but also in their connection with each other.

Magical Realism in Relationships

Fantasy fiction offers unique opportunities to explore relationships in ways impossible in the real world. Magic, otherworldly settings, and fantastical elements can be woven into character dynamics to amplify their depth.

1. Soul Bonds

Magical soul bonds, like those in The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, represent deep, almost mystical connections between characters. In this world, Alina and Mal’s relationship is forged through their shared history and the powerful bond that grows as they face both external challenges and the internal struggles of their connection. Their bond becomes a guiding force, shaping their journey and defining who they become. Similarly, these magical relationships reflect how the trials and triumphs characters experience together can strengthen their connection, transforming them in profound ways.

2. Shared Magic

Characters who share a unique, often magical connection experience a heightened intimacy. In The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Henry and Clare's bond is shaped by his time-travelling ability, creating both a mystical and deeply intimate relationship. Their love is not just about shared experiences but about navigating the complexities and challenges that come with time travel, highlighting how love can evolve and endure when magic, in this case, time itself, intertwines with their lives.

3. Symbolic Challenges

Fantasy settings allow for conflicts and resolutions that are both literal and metaphorical. A shared quest for a magical artifact or a battle against a common enemy can symbolise the trials that test relationships in real life.

Writing Tips for Building Relationships

1. Start with the Characters: Before you develop their relationship, understand who your characters are individually. Their personalities, motivations, and fears will shape their interactions.

2. Focus on Subtext: Relationships often thrive in what isn’t said. Use subtext to hint at deeper feelings or unresolved tension.

3. Embrace Nuance: Real relationships are rarely black-and-white. Allow room for ambiguity, complexity, and contradiction.

4. Evolve Over Time: Let relationships develop naturally through shared experiences, conflicts, and resolutions. Avoid rushing or forcing dynamics.

5. Draw from Real Life: Think about your own relationships. What makes them meaningful, challenging, or unique? Use these insights to create authentic connections.

Conclusion

Building magical relationships in fantasy fiction is about more than adding a sprinkle of enchantment - it’s about crafting connections that feel genuine, layered, and alive. By focusing on chemistry, embracing conflict, and allowing for growth, you can create relationships that resonate deeply with readers, making your story unforgettable.

Fantasy may transport us to otherworldly realms, but it’s the relationships that remind us of what it means to be human. So, as you write your next story, remember: it’s not just about the magic in the world - it’s about the magic between the characters.