Do's and Don'ts of Familiars

Familiars can be a valuable companion, a cute little friend, or a terrifying partner. If you want to write a story with a familiar, here are a few do’s and don’ts to make sure you write them properly. 

First, what is a familiar? Familiars can be spiritual beings, guardians or other sentient companions that assist the protagonist on their journey. These beings often have some sort of ability magic or physical to aid their human companion. 

DO: make the familiar have a personality. If they are a sentient being, they should have their own set of likes, dislikes that should compliment the story. In His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik there are times when Temeraire, the protagonists dragon, at times is completely defiant (and sassy) when it comes to separating or harming the protagonist. While he is a good dragon who follows orders well, he ultimately prizes his human companion over his mission for fighting in the war. This adds a layer of interest and at times conflict, but ultimately just makes you love Temeraire more. 

DON’T: treat familiars like servants. Familiars have a relationship with their companions. You don’t want a Dobby from Harry Potter (unless your character is rescuing a neglected/abused familiar and proceeds to show them a healthy and loving relationship). Familiars often are for their companions and the sentiment should be reciprocated. You want the reader to root for their companionship as much, if not more, than every other relationship you have in your story. 

DO: Give your familiar limitations and restrictions. Familiars are not an excuse to be all-powerful and never struggle. Their abilities need to have some form of limit or draw-back that prevents the protagonist from abusing their power and keeps the story interesting. 

DON’T: throw familiars in without reason. Why are familars necessary to your story? What does your world think about familiars and would the story be the same without them? All elements of your story should be important and necessary. Make sure you have a reason or have structured the world building or plot to accommodate familiars.

DO: have the protagonist actively care for the familiar’s needs. Every living being needs food, water, shelter, etc. and the protagonist should be aware of said needs (or become aware) and take care of their familiar just as they would a pet or another person. 

All in all, respect the familiar and make sure they are important to your story and protagonist. The thought and care will go a long way with readers' love and care for your characters and their familiars.  Don’t forget to check out this month’s wrap-up to hear more about His Majesty’s Dragon. Until next time, write-on!