2fer fiction

Why does everyone love Wilson from Cast Away? Because Tom Hanks' volleyball friend represents tragedy + comedy, a classic 2-for-1. In the first image, Hanks is in danger of drowning, dehydration and death-by-sharks. Yet he further risks his life by leaving his raft to swim after his imaginary friend, sputtering: "Wilson!" 

Tragedy + comedy = unforgettable. Hence, Wilson the iconic 2fer.

Readers want 2fer fiction. They want:

• text + subtext (e.g., a character saying one thing but meaning another)
• dialogue + action
• thoughts + visuals
• tragedy + comedy
• action + comedy
• horror + comedy
• thrills + romance
• comedy + romance
• multiple characters with opposing goals (conflict)
• a single character with opposing goals (internal conflict)

(Can you think of others?)

Always give your readers a surface and a below-the-surface. In the words of another Hanks' character: