Yesterday, we met the CRUSADER character archetype. Today, we’re going to let the men meet her and see what they think. Ready for a little romance? My version of the Bachelor-ette! LOL!
The main CRUSADERS I analyzed were Kathleen “Shop-girl” Kelly from the movie, “You’ve Got Mail,” “Mulan,” and Elfaba from the musical, “Wicked.” At least these are the ones that I’m most familiar with. Let’s see what the men think:
CRUSADER with the WARRIOR – I can see this relationship working with some help. Because they are both so focused on their individual battles, their goals would have to entwine to draw them together. I think the CRUSADER would be willing to let the WARRIOR lead as long as he went the right direction. His thoughts: “Impressive. Smart. Capable. She’ll do.” In truth, I think he’ll listen to her type more than others, especially after his esteem grows as he views her abilities. I see sparks with this one! I think this is the Mulan match up.
CRUSADER with the SWASHBUCKLER – On the flip side, she will never trust and therefore never fall for the SWASHBUCKLER. But then, she’s far too serious for him to have any interest either. Sometimes opposites like these can attract in a palpable way. This isn’t one of those times. His presence is over-the-top while hers is under-the-radar. I don’t even think they would work well together. His thoughts: “Bossy. Kill-joy. A fairly worthy opponent.” I think he’d find her challenging, to fight and to romance, but I believe he would consider her only conquest material. That is unless he changes. And I found an example of that in the movie Eagle Eye. Stay tuned. I’m going to examine that one to pieces, soon!
CRUSADER with the PROFESSOR – I could see this one. Serious soul with serious soul. I could picture Elfaba and Spock, or determined Kathleen Kelly and Sherlock Holmes. As with the WARRIOR, though, their only chance would be if they somehow shared their goals. His thoughts: “Remarkable. Strong. True of heart.” Her strength of character and genuine spirit will win him over long before her skill. He would not consider her smart, however. As for her part, she would quickly value the analysis and information that he is able to give her. Unlike the WARRIOR and the SWASHBUCKLER, she doesn’t like to run into a fight without calculating the opponent. I don’t predict sparks as much as a building appreciation for each other.
CRUSADER with the LOST SOUL – Nah. The goal-focused CRUSADER will have little tolerance for the emotionally needy LOST SOUL. And think about the Beast from “Beauty and the Beast.” He needed a tender heroine to teach him how to love and to draw him out of his self-centeredness. His thoughts: He won’t put them into words, but he shakes his head and goes back to his painting, intimately aware of her rejection. I think she will overwhelm him with her zeal for her goal. And, unless she doesn’t remain true to her character – which would be hard for her in particular – she could not be remotely drawn by this man, not even intrigued by him.
CRUSADER with the CHARMER – Now this one she might be intrigued with. After all, he’s in the business of reading people and drawing them in. I don’t think she’ll stay interested for long. He’s a diversion, a temptation that will likely sicken her if she remains. His thoughts: “Ah, she will make a grand prize.” He looks at her focus as something he can twist for his own goals. What he doesn’t realize is that her heart is strong enough to break him, deep and genuine enough to make his character change – permanently. I think this was the match up in “You’ve Got Mail” between Joe Foxx and Kathleen Kelly. He seems like a CHIEF at first, but he’s more about the win than about his business and spends too much time outside of his obligations. Just my opinion. Do you disagree?
CRUSADER with the BEST FRIEND – He lacks focus. She’ll be frustrated trying to get him to move. They would make great characters in a thriller or a suspense, but he would have to make an impact on her in some way to get her notice. His thoughts: “Wow. Just … wow.” I think her confidence and abilities would stun the BEST FRIEND. He might try to keep up, but sharing this girl lifestyle just isn’t in him. Better luck next time.
CRUSADER with the BAD BOY – Complicated. He has a strong enough personality and an intricate skill set of his own that would command her attention. I can see this match up becoming a fight of wills. She has a focused agenda that he doesn’t share, just because his nature is to initially resist. His thoughts: “I get it. You’re committed. I don’t do commitment.” Still, her fierce determination will sway him and once he leans, he’s easily sucked in. Not sure she can be as committed to him, though. Could be a set up for a broken heart. Although one of my all-time favorite movies has this match up and it works. Sky Masterson is the BAD BOY who considers Sister Sarah Brown a delightful dalliance in “Guys and Dolls” until she captures his heart with her sincerity and goodness. Definite sparks in that one!
CRUSADER with the CHIEF – This one isn’t quite as good as the one with the Warrior. Though the CHIEF and the WARRIOR are comparable, the WARRIOR has a quieter strength. The CHIEF’S blustering will turn the CRUSADER off even if they do share a goal. His thoughts: “She’s another obstacle. I know how to deal with obstacles.” I think that’s all she’ll be to him unless she offers a means to his success. If they can work together for the goal, I think they can make passable allies at the very most. If they are on the opposite sides of the desk, they are both so stubborn, they don’t have a chance of gaining any objectivity or empathizing. This one is doomed.
Your turn: My favorite match up in this list is has to be the CRUSADER and the PROFESSOR. I’m not sure he has too many other options! What’s your favorite?
Marji Laine 