Degrees of Representation
Which types of represention do you like or dislike?
Why are different types of representation meaningful to you?
If you write, which types of representation do you use? What if your character has multiple identities? What about main characters vs. leads vs. bystanders?
What are the benefits and risks of different types of representation?
Are there more types not listed here?
CharCharChar's (ever evolving) Degrees of Representation
Head Canon: a character's identity is left unspecified, and is able to be headcanoned by fans as having a certain identity
Implied: a character could be interpreted as having a certain identity
Word of God: a character has been claimed outside the work as having a certain identity
Exists: a character is coded or labeled as having a certain identity
Turbo Hell: "exists" but is quickly killed
Non-Nuanced Stereotype: "exists" at a stereotype without making space for nuance
Sticker Diversity: "exists" but may feel empty, like a last minute decision to add a diverse identity
Integrated: the identity is not focused on, but subtly impacts the character's life in noticeable ways
Explained: a character defines, or explains an aspect of, having a certain identity
Reflected: the character has thoughts about their identity, or their identity affects a decision (but isn't a core plot point)
Impacts: the character's identity has a direct impact on the story
Central: the character's identity is a core element of the story
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