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Zaria is the Goddess of Purity and works as the opposite side of the coin as Gabriel. She has some more interesting themes in later books and series, so I only have one here. It’s actually a very big one, which is why it gets a post.
Dealing with the Lesser of Two Evils
Zaria doesn’t like Gabriel, but they’re partners in whatever it is going on. In fact, her actions in the first book force him to defend her, which puts them in the position that they get sealed together if they break the law of influence. Imagine being locked away for eternity with someone who you despise. That’s what hangs over their head, so Zaria sucks up her pride and works with Gabriel.
It’s an interesting partnership that develops and defines her. As much as she hates him and some of what he does, Zaria is quick to support him. Yet, she still stands up to Gabriel when she feels it’s for the good of all. By the beginning of the 7th book, they’re actually getting along. Even Gabriel manages to put aside his disdain and show some compassion toward what she’s going through due to spoilers.
Since this is such a small post, I’ll end with a question: What do you think of polar opposites working together? Does it always have to end with either understanding or betrayal?
Legends of Windemere 
I think polar opposites are a necessity – to show us our strengths and weaknesses. I believe yes, it’s either one or the other, but there’s a fine line, just like between love and hate.
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And with characters, one can see how each side has pros and cons. There’s something useful in the way Gabriel operates just as there’s something noble in how Zaria thinks.
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Yes, there vital in any story, real life or otherwise.
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I enjoy it when polar opposites work together, so long as the animosity doesn’t descend into bickering/pettiness – of course, that depends on the characters, more so than the situation. I think a partnership of that nature can end ambiguously – they agree to disagree, maintain their opposite sides (in their mind, integrity, perhaps) and then go their separate ways without really ever understanding the other side, but without the urge to betray the other person as well.
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Well, there is bickering between Zaria and Gabriel. They’re natural enemies, so it’s hard for them to avoid the verbal barbs. Once or twice, they come to blows, which seems oddly okay for deities.
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That would actually be kind of fun for deities, I think! I meant constant bickering – like, where there is no end in sight and it doesn’t feel like anything constructive can be accomplished with the partnership *but* bickering. Some is natural, and expected.
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I do have one fun scene at the beginning of book 4 where Zaria decks Gabriel. Goddess of Purity throws a mean force bolt. 😀
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Nice!! 😀
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Well, the title alone got a huge chuckle. 🙂 I love the idea of polar opposites working together! My favorite…a challange. 🙂
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It’s a lot of fun to write too because you can go in various directions with their interactions.
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Yes, agreed. I like the element of surprise.
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Almost afraid to like and comment on this post… almost. 🙂
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Really? Seems a harmless post.
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Well, once you get past the looks and get to know it. 🙂
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The hidden claws? They’re just for decoration.
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Opposites have a lot going for them — look at all the “buddy movies” where characters work together despite differences. If you have a theme or point to make, opposites can be useful to illustrate the point and play out some ramifications.
It doesn’t have to end in betrayal, but could well develop into a mutual agreement-to-disagree as Katie mentioned above. Or one side makes overtures toward understanding which are rejected, and thus the partnership dissolves.
You’re right that the risk is endless bickering that becomes annoying rather than revelatory.
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I agree that it doesn’t have to end in betrayal. Yet, I see that plot ‘twist’ get used a lot. It tends to be either that or the characters find they’re really in love with each other. I guess I would like to see something besides the two extremes take place when the opposite-minded ally story is used.
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