I cannot think of the phrase “kindred spirit” without remembering Anne of Green Gables as she exuberantly describes the people she connects with. Who wouldn’t want your best friend, a mentor, co-worker or love interest to be a kindred spirit?
A kindred spirit is more than just having something in common with another person. The kindred-ness (new word!) can be revealed in an attitude, a trait, a shared dream — anything that a reader or a character can point to in another character and say they have a deeper level of affinity tying them undeniably together. In other words, a bonding that makes their relationship unique in some way.
The kindred feeling might or might not be initially obvious. It’s entirely possible that the hero and heroine who are meant for each other might have some obvious differences, particularly at the beginning of a romantic novel. One might be extroverted, the other introverted. One might be confident, the other insecure. A pleaser vs. someone more self-serving. Different classes, different goals, different obligations and responsibilities, etc.
But underneath all that, beyond any prickles or obstacles, there is something drawing them together that will not be ignored. Even in secular novels this connection shouldn’t only be physical, although in a romance attraction does play a part. There needs to be recognition, and the evidence on the page, that these two people would be better together than apart for the highest form of kindred affinity.
The chemistry between all of your characters is vital for building that page-turning excitement readers want to experience. This makes it possible to have a lower form of kindred affinity, too — the sort of exact opposite kindred-ness you would expect from a love interest or memorably lasting friendship.
Along that line, you probably wouldn’t think of archenemies as being kindred spirits, but in a way that’s what they are, if they have any sort of lasting rivalry or struggle. In Les Miserables, who would Jean Valjean be without police inspector Javert to reveal the extent of Valjean’s loyalty, bravery, nobility? Or Valjean to reveal Javert’s obsession with his notion of justice?
In short, each character must be best chosen or drawn to bring out the personality traits in other characters, so the reader gets to know — and connect with — each of them in a deeper, more dramatic way.
Kindred spirits of all kinds . . . something to ponder.
I’d like to end today’s post with a reminder that this week, on Tuesday morning, I’ll be posting a video here as part of a Holiday Home Tour with the Authors. It’ll be so much fun! Mine is just one of several videos for you to enjoy of various authors and our holiday decorations.
So check back on Tuesday to see my video here on my blog, and a link to another author’s blog for a peek at their decorations as well, which will then link to another and so on for at least a half dozen Inspirational authors. Take a few minutes to get into the holiday spirit and see if you have anything in common with decorations and traditions of the season with some of your favorite authors. Happy Holidays!
Join Me!