Model relationships as asymmetric state, not a single shared affinity score.
A → B can differ radically from B → A.
Core Axes
Use only axes relevant to the project:
- affection
- trust
- respect
- fear
- attraction
- dependency
- resentment
- debt/obligation
- status/power
- ideological alignment
- knowledge/intimacy
- jealousy/competition
Avoid reducing the model to numbers unless implementation requires them.
Pair Model
For each important direction A → B, define:
- what A wants from B
- what A admires
- what A resents
- what A fears B could do
- what A misunderstands
- what A knows that others do not
- boundary B could cross
- leverage A has over B
- leverage B has over A
- current unresolved tension
Relationship States
Define meaningful state transitions only where useful, for example:
Strangers → Useful allies → Trusted → Intimate → Fractured → Repaired
Do not assume progression is linear or universal.
For each transition define evidence, not just score thresholds.
Ensemble Matrix
Create a compact matrix summarizing the dominant relationship dynamic between each pair. Then expand only the pairs that drive drama or gameplay.
Interactive Procedure
- Identify central characters.
- Identify plot-critical pairs.
- Model both directions separately.
- Identify asymmetries.
- Identify triangles: jealousy, loyalty conflicts, competing obligations.
- Define likely pressure points.
- Define state transitions and evidence.
- Check whether different relationships reveal different aspects of each character.
- Identify underused or redundant pairings.
Output
Ensemble overview
Relationship matrix
Detailed pair models
Key asymmetries
Triangles and coalition tensions
State transitions
Pressure tests
Implementation hooks, if relevant
Failure Modes
Avoid:
- one universal relationship score
- assuming mutual affection/trust
- relationships defined only by backstory
- every pair having the same banter dynamic
- romance replacing all other axes
- state transitions without behavioral evidence
- treating conflict as proof characters dislike one another
Final Quality Check
Ask: What does this character become around this specific person that they are not around anyone else?