Balancing Protective Characters in Your Cozy Mystery

by Elizabeth S. Craig

If you’ve written cozy mysteries (or read them) for any length of time, you’ve probably encountered this common character dynamic: your amateur sleuth is busily investigating a murder while someone close to them—a spouse, romantic interest, parent, or friend—is desperately trying to keep them out of danger.

This protective figure is practically a cozy mystery staple, and with good reason. They create tension, provide realistic opposition to the sleuth’s sometimes risky behavior, and often serve as a sounding board for theories. But they can also become problematic if not handled with care.

I’ve discovered a few approaches that keep these protective characters from becoming either irrelevant speed bumps or overbearing dream-killers for our determined sleuths.

The Worrier’s Valid Perspective

First, let’s acknowledge something important: the protective character is usually right. Amateur sleuths do put themselves in danger, and from the perspective of a loving spouse or concerned parent, investigating a murder is absolutely something to discourage.

I try to let these protective characters occasionally voice what the reader might be thinking: “Why not just call the cops instead of checking that dark basement yourself?”

Finding the Sweet Spot Between Overbearing and Oblivious

The challenge comes in balancing the protective character’s role. Too protective, and they become an annoying hindrance that readers resent. Not protective enough, and their concern feels performative instead of genuine.

Here are some ideas for the right balance for protective characters:

• Express legitimate concerns but don’t constantly repeat them
• Occasionally help the investigation in limited, cautious ways
• Have their own storylines beyond just worrying about the protagonist
• Show grudging respect for the sleuth’s abilities while maintaining concern

Creative Solutions for the Protective Dynamic

Rather than having the same “please be careful/I’ll be fine” conversation repeatedly, try these approaches to keep the relationship fresh:

Specific rather than general concerns: Instead of general worrying, have the protective character point out specific risks about particular suspects or situations.

Conditional support: “If you’re going to question the gardener anyway, at least let me drive you there and wait outside.”

Information exchanges: The sleuth shares discoveries with the protective character in exchange for less interference.

Earned trust: Let the protective character’s confidence in the sleuth grow based on past successes, even while their worry remains.

Specialized assistance: Give the protective character a specific way they contribute to investigations that allows them to help while still expressing caution.

When the Sleuth Actually Needs Protection

Don’t forget that sometimes your sleuth genuinely needs that protection. Having your protagonist occasionally get into trouble proves the worrier right and adds credibility to their concerns.

What protective dynamics have you included in your mysteries? Have you noticed this pattern as a reader?

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