A red and blue graphic reads Day Three: Creating a Compelling Duo

HEA Writing Week 2025 | Day Three: Creating a Compelling Duo

Welcome to HEA Day Three!

Today we’re talking about creating a compelling duo. Iconic duos that we all know and love abound in romance movies, books, TV, from Harry and Sally to Homer and Marge Simpson, and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. 

Creating characters that naturally complement each other – like peanut butter and jelly – is part of what makes a romance novel memorable. Unfortunately, it is easy for your duo to fall flat. Simply putting two attractive people together and telling us they love each other is not enough. We need to know why this couple works and how this relationship will improve their lives.

Here are some tips on creating a successful couple in your romance.

A spread of iconic movie couples, including marge and homer simpson, harry and sally, and morticia and gomez addams

Utilize Tropes and Hooks:

From friends to lovers, to fake relationships or forced proximity, an established trope and a good balance of hooks can be a great base to form an intimate relationship. A fake date to a wedding to appease the bride is good. Make it a tantalizing destination wedding where the setting plays a role and they can’t get away from each other and it’s instantly better. Hooks appeal to readers and can help to draw the characters together. (Not sure of the difference? Here’s a refresher on hooks vs. tropes: Hooks vs Tropes: What’s the Difference?)

Chemistry is Everything:

The duo can work great as friends, or as partners on a mission… but sparking chemistry between the couple from the beginning gives our duos the romantic edge and makes their romance believable. There are lots of ways to do this. Give your characters traits that fulfil a need in the other. Use humor to show that they “get” each other. Put them in situations where they let their guard down and find they feel safe, or describe the flutters, tingles and sensations they feel when they interact. This is not a superficial relationship; the characters end up developing such a profound bond that they can communicate without words.

Strong Motivation:

Despite being a dynamic duo, the main couple must retain their own identities and motivations.  They can either be working for the same goal or they might get together to help each other achieve their own goals, but either way, there should be a balance between the characters that makes them equals in their relationship. We will dive deeper into this tomorrow when we tackle GMC.

Evolution is Key:

The evolution of the couple’s relationship must feel authentic.  These two characters aren’t in each other’s lives for just good company, or to make each other laugh. To make your duo shine, the couple should be evolving and growing, both individually and together.  This is the key to developing a close and complex relationship that overcomes the challenges and conflicts of life, coming out of them stronger.  

Pride and Prejudice: A Case Study

Elizabeth and Darcy from the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, about to kiss

Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are an iconic duo in romance novel history.  Let’s break down how this couple utilizes the tips above.

Despite being written over 200 years ago, Pride and Prejudice feels modern and fun. The characterization of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy still resonates with contemporary readers, playing with now well-established tropes of ‘Enemies to Lovers’, ‘Grumpy-Sunshine’, and the classic miscommunication.   Set against the backdrop of the Regency era and social customs, there is plenty of drama to keep the reader hooked and turning the pages.

A screenshot from 2005s Pride and Prejudice film where Elizabeth tells Darcy that the way to encourage affection is dancing

When Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy first meet at the ball in Meryton, their personalities and societal positions immediately clash. While she is lively and sociable, he is seen as aloof and reserved. After overhearing a conversation between Darcy and Bingley, Elizabeth takes a dislike to Darcy, thus making an obstacle for their relationship. Though this first interaction is less than romantic, it lights a spark between the two. Despite their initial dislike, they recognize something in each other that interests them. This interest in each other is then able to grow into stronger chemistry with each meeting.

Elizabeth and Darcy from the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice

The evolution of Elizabeth and Darcy is a masterclass in character development. At the beginning of the story, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have very different goals and motivations. As it progresses, both characters begin to create a relationship of mutual respect and affection that brings them to an equal footing, something they didn’t have in the first chapter. They overcome their titular pride and prejudice, and their love story culminates in a relationship built on understanding and equality.

By the end of the novel, the reader has a sense of satisfaction knowing that this dynamic duo has an authentic connection and are bettered by being together.  Like Barbie and Ken, you can’t imagine one without the other!


Let’s Go!

Today, take a mid-week break, by joining us at our live webinar – register now!

What are today’s readers looking for in lovable heroes? Romance editor Hannah Rossiter will delve into the contemporary Alpha Hero, explain how to navigate tricky tropes like workplace romances, and explore what gives readers the “ick” or makes them fall – hard! – for a hero.

After the webinar, head over to the Write for Harlequin Facebook Community Group to tell us about your characters so far!