Ryan Murphy's characters share many things in common. They're often misunderstood, quirky people with their own way of viewing the world. They have a talent that separates them from the rest, whether it's singing and performing like the kids in Glee, or literal mystical abilities like the witches in American Horror Story: Coven.
Murphy likes sticking to certain archetypes, which means there's a kinship between his creations. And despite coming from very different universes, some would get along famously, perhaps even finding true love in the process. Others would constantly clash and wouldn't make it past the initial point in a relationship. The pairings would always be interesting, though, especially coming from Murphy's wicked, whimsical mind.
Wouldn't Work: Bryan Collins & Pray Tell
Ryan Murphy puts some of himself into a lot of his characters. However, if there's one that's an actual spoof of the prolific producer is Bryan Collins from The New Normal. Demanding, stubborn, persuasive, and sensitive, Bryan would fall for Pray Tell's showmanship. A rock star in every sense of the way, the talented emcee is also quite egotistical and even more demanding than Bryan.
They'd have some fun and would form a genuine connection. However, their strong personalities would be at odds way too often and it wouldn't be long until Bryan and Pray Tell realized they're better off as friends.
Would Work: Sue Sylvester & Cathy Munsch
Both Cathy and Sue are intelligent, highly confident, somewhat abusive, and selfish women who have no problem showing off. They both exude intimidating, overbearing energy that often makes others seek refuge from them. Authoritarian and commanding, they rule their respective schools with absolute control.
Sue and Cathy had their fair share of romantic disappointments. If they ever found each other, they would enter into a very hectic but somewhat consistent relationship. They'd be in constant competition but would enjoy the rush and excitement. Sue, the Vice President of the United States, and Cathy, New York Times bestselling author, would be the ultimate power couple.
Wouldn't Work: Tate Langdon & Mary Cherry
Despite her ditzy, exaggerated personality, many believe that Mary Cherry is a psychopath. Indeed, she's voted "most likely to become a serial killer" and is shown to be mentally unstable. For his part, Tate is a serial killer who's also mentally unstable and dangerous.
Their attraction might be obvious but they would eventually implode. Tate wouldn't be able to deal with Mary's ridiculousness, and she wouldn't stand his tortured soul persona. Together, they could dream of committing great atrocities but chances are, they wouldn't last long enough to actually do any of them.
Would Work: Bobby Nash & Cordelia Goode
Introvert, careful Bobby is a great match for the caring, composed Cordelia. Because of the incredibly hectic and high-risk professional life they both lead, they need something constant and safe in their personal ones to truly find balance.
Bobby would not be threatened or pushed away by Cordelia's considerable powers. On the contrary, he'd encourage them while still providing strong emotional support. With his help, she could pursue her goals without losing herself to her own darkness.
Wouldn't Work: Christian Troy & Fiona Goode
Christian and Fiona's attraction would be instant and explosive. It would also be solely physical because two people as selfish and unsympathetic as them would be unable to form a true, lasting, meaningful connection.
They would still enjoy their time together, very much so. They'd see each other whenever they wanted to and would limit their conversations to the absolute minimum. The relationship would run its course quickly enough and the two would part ways. In a couple of months, they wouldn't even remember each other's names.
Would Work: Roy Fitzgerald & Blaine Anderson
Roy Fitzgerald, the man that would go on to become Rock Hudson, is a small-town boy who wants to become a movie star. Far too unassuming for his own good, he's someone who's looking for real love despite what others might say. Blaine Anderson, an encouraging mentor with a wonderful voice, could be the perfect choice for him.
They're both hopeless romantics who aren't afraid to flaunt their love. Blaine would constantly serenade Roy and the two would spend way too much time gazing into each other's eyes. And because they're both so sweet, they would constantly try to out-romance each other, becoming the couple that everyone envies.
Wouldn't Work: Mildred Ratched & Ramona Royale
Despite her best efforts, there's a darkness inside Mildred Ratched that's just waiting to be released. Capable of far more than she even dares imagine, Mildred is willing to go to great lengths to escape her haunting past. Ramona, for her part, is even more overtly ruthless and shameless, a powerful, obsessive, and possessive woman who's not good at handling rejection.
Their attraction would be volcanic but the result catastrophic. They're both too unpredictable and would never be able to trust each other. Their relationship would be purely physical and would surely end badly.
Would Work: River Barkley & Kurt Hummel
The Politician makes it very clear that what River really needs is some kindness. He doesn't find it in Payton or Astrid, which eventually drives him to the edge. Kurt knows and understands River's suffering better than anyone and would be able to empathize and support the struggling teen.
Their relationship would have ups and downs, like any other, and perhaps it wouldn't survive past high school. However, the two would be there for each other through the tough and seemingly dark times, always encouraging one another.
Wouldn't Work: Stan Bowes & Chanel Oberlin
Stan and Chanel would be the very definition of an arranged marriage. She would be attracted to his yuppie persona, thinking he could ensure the comfortable and excessive lifestyle she's used to. He would consider her a suitable companion for the image he's trying to construct.
They would both engage in affairs behind each other's backs and their marriage would greatly suffer. They, however, wouldn't file for divorce and would instead stay together for the sake of their children, living dual lives, their separation increasing with every year.
Would Work: Payton Hobart & Rachel Berry
Ambitious doesn't even begin to describe these two characters. Determined, talented beyond belief, and capable of going to great lengths to achieve their goals, Payton and Rachel would be an intense, terrifying force of nature. Their personalities are eerily similar, which would be both good and bad.
In reality, Payton and Rachel would be together both out of genuine affection and mutual interest. Having a politician husband would greatly help Rachel's career. For his part, his personal image would benefit from his wife's recognition and acclaim. The two would sing lovely duets with their ridiculously gifted voices and would constantly host parties in their Upper East Side apartment.