Unexpected homosexualty in plot.

[ZombieGenesis]

This is something that's been drumming at the back of my head for a while now. These past two to three years I've been writing a novel based solely in a fantasy world. Having long since established the characters and plot I've danced around a certain issue and can't bring myself to a decision in its regard.

Should I make the bad-guy homosexual?
Awkward blunt phrasing aside, that's pretty much the gist of what I ask myself. Before anyone thinks it I do not mean 'should I make him gay because he's bad', rather the character has traits and history (and even some mannerisms) which would make it work, with the addition of a very history with one character in particular, it's just something I'm quite tempted to put in there. That said, I can't help but wonder if it really works in the setting or whether it would seem rather contrived.

There was a large enough backlash when it was admitted by Ms Rowling that Dumbledore was homosexual, and I remember thinking at the time it just seemed like such a pointless plot point in a story that takes itself foremost as adventurous fantasy. Many even said at the time it spoiled the characterisation, I'm not sure if I'd go that far but it really didn't seem to fit.

My gradual ladder of text here nonwithstanding, how exactly should I approach this? For that matter, has fictional media entered a point where this kind of matter can be touched on casually without major justification to the readership?

 

[Nwabudike Morgan]

Do whatever you can to make him not a gay villain, but a villain who happens to be gay. Make his homosexuality as unimportant as the heterosexuality of the other characters.

 

[Shock and Awe]

Dumbledore was homosexual? When the fuck did that happen? I read all the books and never got that!

OT: If it makes sense do it, unlike with Dumbledore, that was just random.

 

[2fish]

In the Nightrunner series some of the characters are bi-sexual or gay, they just build up to that point aka no hot sex parties but a real relationship is formed after you get to know the characters. As long as you don't focus on or make a big deal about their sexual choices it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[rockyoumonkeys]

If it's not important to the story, don't bother. Making a character gay just for the sake of making him gay isn't going to do the story any favors.

 

[kouriichi]

I dont see a problem with it.
Just make sure you dont make him one of those stereotypical homosexuals.

 

[googleit6]

Huh. I never heard about that with Dumbledore, though I know the actor who played him in the first movies was gay.

OT: Anyways, make your character homosexual if you want. If it never comes into play in the story, no big deal, whatever his orientation. But if he seems like he could be gay, then maybe you should just go with your instincts?

On second thought, even if his orientation doesn't come into play, you should still know it, for flushing out a character is important.

And for the people who would cry that having a villian being gay is politically incorrect, ignore the ignorant. Being gay/straight/bi has nothing to do with your mannerisms and how good or bad of a person you are.

 

[ZombieGenesis]

If it's not important to the story, don't bother. Making a character gay just for the sake of making him gay isn't going to do the story any favors.

That's not really why I was considering it. You see, the character in question follows a story arch in conjuncture with another, rather unknown character who's presence brings a significant impact to the overall story. The trouble is, the homosexuality was something I felt worked very well in forming a reasonable connection between the two characters, and without it the relationship between them would be confusing. I just need to decide whether to go along with this idea, or to create something entirely different to connect them.
Honestly though, my main concern is with reader responces much as you've said, with it not doing the story favours or seeming forced. I would quite like to include it personally, as a dimension of characterisation I often have to overlook.

 

[Sexbad]

I don't think you should make him noticeably gay for no particular reason, but that doesn't mean there should be no gay characters. Make him just so happen to be gay, but don't portray it as part of his villainous schemes. Have a scene where he's talking with his husband or boyfriend or slave-boy or whoever and it reveals it casually and it doesn't have much to do with his plots.

Revealing it casually will disguise from the conservative assholes that my secret gay agenda is to take over the world.

 

[PureIrony]

Dumbledore was homosexual? When the fuck did that happen? I read all the books and never got that!

OT: If it makes sense do it, unlike with Dumbledore, that was just random.

It was supposed be subtle, and tie in with the whole "didn't try to stop Grindelwald at first" thing.

That aside, 1)make sure the villain has plenty of character traits besides homosexuality and 2)make the gay factor either kind of irrelevant, or(this is riskier but vastly more interesting) make him/her so sexually disgusting/depraved that the homosexuality is the least unusual thing about their sexuality.

 

[masseyguy911]

Well as long as your not making him homosexual just because you can, then yes. I mean, if it makes sense in the context of the story that he is, then by all means make him.

 

[Delock]

If it's not important to the story, don't bother. Making a character gay just for the sake of making him gay isn't going to do the story any favors.

I'm pretty sure this was the reason Ms Rowling got such backlash from fans. If there is no reason for a character to be gay (note: however, a reason can be that it adds to the personality of the character, changes their outlook on things, or influences the events in the story this is ok. For example, Agent Smecker being gay in Boondock Saints meant he had no issues kissing a man to complete his disguise in order to infiltrate a house late in the movie, which said disguise happened to end up saving his life), than you really shouldn't have any need to make them gay. Especially if it's the villain. Gay people aren't going to like being the bad guy, and insecure straight people won't enjoy the fact.

Now, as for the whole option of bi-sexuality for the villain, well remember that you'd more than likely be choosing one of these options with the third being unlikely due to him being a villain:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DepravedBisexual
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AnythingThatMoves
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BiTheWay

 

[no oneder]

Homosexual plot twists suck.

That being said, I think Duke Nukem is gay. I kid, I kid.

 

[LongAndShort]

Don't go blatantly gay. Maybe a bit of casual flirting or a male concubine. Maybe he tries to hide his homosexuality in hetero-dominant world.

But most important is that it fits his character.

 

[Zef Otter]

let me guess.... a depraved homosexual? right.

 

[nunqual]

This is something that's been drumming at the back of my head for a while now. These past two to three years I've been writing a novel based solely in a fantasy world. Having long since established the characters and plot I've danced around a certain issue and can't bring myself to a decision in its regard.

Should I make the bad-guy homosexual?
Awkward blunt phrasing aside, that's pretty much the gist of what I ask myself. Before anyone thinks it I do not mean 'should I make him gay because he's bad', rather the character has traits and history (and even some mannerisms) which would make it work, with the addition of a very history with one character in particular, it's just something I'm quite tempted to put in there. That said, I can't help but wonder if it really works in the setting or whether it would seem rather contrived.

There was a large enough backlash when it was admitted by Ms Rowling that Dumbledore was homosexual, and I remember thinking at the time it just seemed like such a pointless plot point in a story that takes itself foremost as adventurous fantasy. Many even said at the time it spoiled the characterisation, I'm not sure if I'd go that far but it really didn't seem to fit.

My gradual ladder of text here nonwithstanding, how exactly should I approach this? For that matter, has fictional media entered a point where this kind of matter can be touched on casually without major justification to the readership?

Why does it matter? Will it affect the plot that much, or are you just doing it to twist it up?

 

[latenightapplepie]

I prefer unexpected homosexuality in cute guys.

On topic: Um, yeah, do it. Don't let the whole Dumbledore debacle put you off doing it. I don't know why people were so shocked by that. Seemed to make a lot of sense to me.

 

[ZombieGenesis]

This is something that's been drumming at the back of my head for a while now. These past two to three years I've been writing a novel based solely in a fantasy world. Having long since established the characters and plot I've danced around a certain issue and can't bring myself to a decision in its regard.

Should I make the bad-guy homosexual?
Awkward blunt phrasing aside, that's pretty much the gist of what I ask myself. Before anyone thinks it I do not mean 'should I make him gay because he's bad', rather the character has traits and history (and even some mannerisms) which would make it work, with the addition of a very history with one character in particular, it's just something I'm quite tempted to put in there. That said, I can't help but wonder if it really works in the setting or whether it would seem rather contrived.

There was a large enough backlash when it was admitted by Ms Rowling that Dumbledore was homosexual, and I remember thinking at the time it just seemed like such a pointless plot point in a story that takes itself foremost as adventurous fantasy. Many even said at the time it spoiled the characterisation, I'm not sure if I'd go that far but it really didn't seem to fit.

My gradual ladder of text here nonwithstanding, how exactly should I approach this? For that matter, has fictional media entered a point where this kind of matter can be touched on casually without major justification to the readership?

Why does it matter? Will it affect the plot that much, or are you just doing it to twist it up?

Actually it would massively affect the plot. The decision would basically decide how these two people on opposite ends of the power ladder can have such a dramatic impact on one anothers lives, and thanks to some inspiration I just had, open up a huge chunk of characterisation for the antagonist in question...
But as you can well see, a lot of people are aware that making a character gay without any real basis for doing so can get harsh results. I want to make absolutely sure that going in this direction will have the more interesting result on their story arch.

 

[katsumoto03]

Go for it. Seriously, it really shouldn't even be a big deal. Just keep it casual and give it as much attention as you would any other character's heterosexuality.

Oh, and the Dumbledore thing was just a publicity stunt. Nothing more, nothing less and thus should not be taken seriously.

 

[Valkaris]

I think that understanding a characters sexual orientation can be incredibly important to understanding how they work and how they act. Making a person gay can be a powerful tool of characterizing them, the "bad guy" is a pivotal character, driving the story and ultimately the heroes path. Stories such as Star Wars have come blossoming to life with a memorable and well characterized villain. Make sure that however you make him, his actions fit how the readers view him. Though homosexuality can make a character more characterized, it can also have unfortunate side effects. Remember that homophobia does exist, and that there are many people who will automatically bring all their fears, dislikes, misinformation, prejudice and hate to ANY character who is gay. Be ready to defend him, people will dislike the character simply because he is gay (This can be a useful strategy, though unfortunate, to make some readers have automatic animosity towards your villain).
Anyway, I hope the story turns out well and you make a fitting decision.