6.3 Building Relationships Between Characters

Musical theater thrives on character relationships. From romantic duets to family feuds, these interactions drive plots and engage audiences. Relationships in musicals span romance, family, friendship, professional ties, and antagonism, each adding depth to storytelling.

Character dynamics unfold through dialogue, song, and staging. Actors bring authenticity through active listening, conveying subtext, and building chemistry. These relationships propel narratives, evoke empathy, enhance themes, and create unforgettable moments that define great musicals.

Types of Relationships and Character Interactions in Musical Theater

Types of musical theater relationships

Top images from around the web for Types of musical theater relationships

• 

  Developing and Maintaining Romantic Relationships | Introduction to Communication View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rent (musical) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Towards a Comprehensive Theory of Love: The Quadruple Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Developing and Maintaining Romantic Relationships | Introduction to Communication View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rent (musical) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Types of musical theater relationships

• 

  Developing and Maintaining Romantic Relationships | Introduction to Communication View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rent (musical) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Towards a Comprehensive Theory of Love: The Quadruple Theory View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Developing and Maintaining Romantic Relationships | Introduction to Communication View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rent (musical) - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Romantic relationships involve love interests (Tony and Maria in West Side Story), married couples (Tevye and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof), and forbidden love (Aida and Radames in Aida)
• Familial relationships encompass parent-child dynamics (Mama Rose and Louise in Gypsy), sibling bonds (Elphaba and Nessarose in Wicked), and extended family connections (Abuela Claudia and the Rosarios in In the Heights)
• Friendships include close companions (Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked), mentor-mentee relationships (Harold Hill and Marian in The Music Man), and rivals or frenemies (Velma and Roxie in Chicago)
• Professional relationships involve coworkers (the performers in A Chorus Line), boss-employee dynamics (Bud Frump and Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying), and teacher-student interactions (Miss Sherman and the students in Fame)
• Antagonistic relationships feature hero-villain dynamics (Jean Valjean and Javert in Les Misérables), conflicts between characters (Elphaba and the Wizard in Wicked), and power struggles (Coalhouse and the authorities in Ragtime)

Development of character dynamics

• Dialogue reveals backstory and shared history, expresses emotions and feelings, conveys power dynamics and status (Mrs. Lovett's manipulation of Sweeney Todd), and showcases character growth and change (Eliza's transformation in My Fair Lady)
• Song establishes connections through duets or group numbers ("Bosom Buddies" in Mame), expresses inner thoughts and desires through solo songs ("On My Own" in Les Misérables), shows the evolution of relationships through reprises ("For Good" in Wicked), and reveals the nature of relationships through lyrics ("The Story of Lucy and Jessie" in Follies)
• Staging utilizes physical proximity and touch (Mimi and Roger's intimate moments in Rent), blocking and movement patterns (the confrontation between Javert and Valjean in Les Misérables), props and set pieces (the barricade in Les Misérables), and choreography and dance to convey intimacy or tension (the tango in Evita)

Techniques for authentic interactions

• Active listening and reacting by staying present in the moment, responding genuinely to scene partners (the banter between Nathan Detroit and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls), and adapting to unexpected changes or improvisation
• Subtext and underlying emotions are conveyed through body language and facial expressions, creating layers of meaning in dialogue delivery (the tension between Sally and Cliff in Cabaret)
• Building chemistry and rapport involves developing trust and comfort with scene partners, finding common ground and shared experiences, and exploring character relationships in rehearsals
• Contrasting dynamics and power shifts create tension and conflict, shift the balance of control within a scene (the confrontation between Coalhouse and Father in Ragtime), and explore the push and pull of character interactions

Impact of relationships on narrative

• Character relationships drive the plot forward as catalysts for action (Maureen's protest in Rent), shape the story arc through conflicts and resolutions (the love triangle in Miss Saigon), and influence character decisions and motivations (Elphaba's defiance in Wicked)
• Evoking audience empathy and investment through relatable and engaging character dynamics (the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked), eliciting emotional responses through relationship journeys (the tragic love story in Les Misérables), and encouraging audience identification with characters
• Enhancing the theme and message by using relationships as a vehicle for exploring central ideas (the importance of family in In the Heights), showcasing different perspectives and viewpoints (the cultural clashes in West Side Story), and illustrating the consequences of character actions and choices (the downfall of Sweeney Todd)
• Creating memorable and impactful moments through pivotal relationship scenes as turning points (the confrontation between Valjean and Javert in Les Misérables), emotional climaxes and breakthroughs in character interactions (the reconciliation between Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked), and relationships contributing to the overall theatrical experience