Goodreads asked G. Russell Overton:

Who is your favorite fictional couple, and why?

G. Russell Overton Before I answer this question, I need to define it a bit more clearly. The first order of business is to decide whether the answer should be confined to romantic coupling or all forms of character coupling. Often fictional couples may not be romantic partners at all. A couple might be two siblings, as in the case of Lawrence and Thomas Chamberlain in Killer Angels. It could be two best friends, business partners, or colleagues, as in the case of Mark Twain’s Tom and Huck. A couple could be comprised of a parent and child, as in the case of Biff and Willy Lowman in Death of a Salesman. Then there are the couples whose relationship boundaries are somewhat blurred, like Achilleus and Patroclus in the Illiad. They might be adversaries or even strangers to one another. What makes for good fictional coupling is some level of complicated dynamic between the pair.

The romantic couple, of course, can always provide a source of interest. In romance a couple can experience many of the dynamics associated with non-romantic couples. They can become adversaries, tragic companions, caregivers, etc. All of the examples listed above would be included in my consideration of “favorite couple.” Add to that list some romantic couples like Rhett and Scarlet, Lord and Lady Macbeth, and Anna and Count Vronsky, and I think I have established a universe for consideration.

All of these couples are interesting because of the complex dynamics, but mostly because of the emotions they stir. I can’t think about any of these couples without experiencing some kind of emotional reaction – revulsion, endearment, fear, sadness, trepidation. I read all of their stories many years ago, yet the emotions and impact on me are still fresh. I have to select Achilleus and Patroclus. When I think about the death of Patroclus and the impact it had on Achilleus, my eyes feel moist and my chest aches. The fact that their story is thousands of years old, and it still stirs that kind of emotional response makes my choice an easy one.

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