Underused Ways to Show Two Characters Have History
Everyone writes: “We’ve known each other for years!"
But we can do better than that—let's make things actually interesting.
Here are some quick tips for writing two characters with history (without saying, "we've known each for years"):
• They reach for the same object at the same time without looking
• One of them uses a nickname no one else is allowed to use
• They start arguing mid-conversation like the first half already happened
• They move closer when the other looks uncomfortable
• One of them says, “Don’t start,” before the other has said anything
• They know exactly which buttons to press (and press them immediately)
• They unconsciously drift toward each other in crowded spaces
• They anticipate each other’s reactions before they happen
• One quietly moves something (a drink, weapon, chair) because they know the other will reach for it
• Someone might say something, and the other immediately responds with: “You’re still doing that?”
• They suppress laughter at the same time over something no one else noticed
• One character still treats the other based on who they used to be
• A certain place, smell, or song causes them to exchange a look
• Their arguments sound rehearsed, like they’ve had them before
• They touch each other casually without asking (fixing clothing, nudging, taking something from their hand)
• They stand closer than strangers normally would
• They borrow items from each other
• They bring up something embarrassing from ten years ago
• They sit in silence together and it’s either very comfortable or extremely tense
• One of them automatically orders the other’s drink
• They interrupt each other and still somehow finish the same sentence
• One starts a story and the other finishes it automatically
• They argue about the details of shared memories
• They mention people or events without explaining them
• A simple phrase or nickname triggers an entire inside joke
• They notice tiny things about each other no one else would catch
Real history sounds like unfinished conversations, old habits, and arguments that never really ended. When you show shared history (instead of telling) your characters seem that much more alive and believable.
On a similar note: Not all shared history is comfortable. Sometimes shared history means unresolved tension or an old rivalry:
• They refer to something only as “that” or “before.”
• Someone says “You know why.” without explaining further
• Standing slightly farther apart than expected
• Fingers drumming or fidgeting when they’re forced to talk
• Avoiding eye contact for just a second too long.
• A small disagreement suddenly becomes heated.
• One character reacts sharply to something that shouldn’t matter anymore.
• A casual comment triggers silence or defensiveness.
• One character starts explaining themselves but trails off
• One character makes small, cutting remarks disguised as jokes
• They still know each other’s preferences or weaknesses
• They speak in fragments when the past comes up
• They fall into familiar conversations and then awkwardly break them
If you enjoy digging into character dynamics like this, my printable novel planner has detailed sections for relationships, character arcs, and story structure. It’s perfect for organizing a fanfic or mapping out an entire novel!
⤷ my printable novel planner
