Love Languages and Character Development, Part 1

There are hundreds of different character development exercises, interviews, technique, and tools. However, one concept that seems to be underused both in character development and writing is that of love languages. See here for a definition of love languages.

Here are three reasons you should consider using them with your characters and in your writing:

1. Character relationships. Want to emphasize that character A is a friend? He/she gives a gift/shoulder pat/encouraging word to the MC (main character) or vice-versa. Want to emphasize that character B is an enemy? MC throws away a present received from B or pushes B away when he/she pokes/pats/head-rubs the MC. Want to emphasize that character A is closer to character B than C? Character A likes it when C hangs around, but he/she makes an effort to spend time with B.

2. Emotional shorthand. If character A is miffed with character B, A may not want to spend time with the B when he/she usually does or may refuse to drink the coffee that B made for him/her.

3. Character reactions. If the charrie is a touch-type, the villain getting up in her face/patting her on the shoulder/etc. will be the kind of interaction that freaks her out the most. If the charrie is a time-type, it might be worse if the villain just won't leave. If the charrie is a words-type, it might be easiest to manipulate him with words of encouragement. If the charrie is a gift-type, it might be easiest to manipulate her with little things like leaving a cup of coffee on her desk every morning, bringing her lunch if she looks too busy to go get it herself, etc.

Of course, these are vague guidelines. However, I think the effects should be considered. I'm a touch-type, and it's surprising how much that affects me. If I really don't like someone, holding hands is like getting stabbed by a needle (without the pain) -- it's the same kind of fundamental wrongness that has your brain telling you to pull away from the sensation. If someone is nice and also a touchy person, the chances go up that I like that person.

Remember, love isn't just romantic. This is how we interact with friends, family, and acquaintances.

A couple of characters and maybe their love languages:

Bucky Barnes -- probably touch. He grabs Steve around the shoulders, ruffles his hair, etc.

Hiro Hamada (Big Hero 6) -- probably words. He quotes what Tadashi tells him earlier in the movie to his teammates and wants/expects Tadashi to tell him how proud he is when Hiro gets into SFIT.

Tadashi Hamada -- probably touch. He grabs Hiro and shakes him around, pokes him in the forehead, gets in his face, and kisses Baymax when he gets excited.

James T. Kirk (Star Trek: 2009 & Star Trek: Into Darkness): probably also touch. He dispenses shoulder pats/grabs to people he likes (Bones especially).

Lucy Pevensie -- touch, definitely. She's the one that immediately runs to give Edmund a hug and holds Peter's hand when he's upset.

Peter Pevensie -- maybe words, considering how much he's encouraged when Edmund says that he believes in him (LWW) and how often he attacks Caspian with them (PC).