How to write an aromantic asexual character for my novel?

[shyartist]

I've been writing a novel. It's science fiction. I want the main character to be aromantic asexual.  How to write it accurately? Do you have any tips or know any articles online or books I could read? Also I'm questioning if I might be aro ace myself. 

[TrueEvergreen]

To be honest, there aren't many wrong ways to write an aroace character (at least in my opinion) as long as you keep it respectful and don't fall into the trope that "they are just confused" or "they just haven't found the right person yet" An aroace character could have many different experiences, they could fully understand their identity or not be sure, they could love this quality about themselves or hate it. Everyone has their own experiences, and as long as you don't write the character disrespectfully, you should be good. 

As of resources you could use, sadly I can't really think of any off the top of my head :(

[catparent7092]

If they are strictly aroace, then write them as a person who does not pursue romantic or sexual relationships. They're still just another person at the end of the day. 

[allhailtheglowcloud]

8 hours ago, shyartist said:

I've been writing a novel. It's science fiction. I want the main character to be aromantic asexual.  How to write it accurately? Do you have any tips or know any articles online or books I could read? Also I'm questioning if I might be aro ace myself. 

To be honest, I'd say the best way to go about it is to just interact with the various a-spec communities and listen to their experiences with aromanticism and asexuality. There is a book that comes to mind though, if that's what you're looking for: 

Ace Voices by Eris Young - while this book is mostly centered around asexuality, it incorporates a variety of perspectives and I thought it discussed intersectionality in an interesting way.

I think @TrueEvergreen summed it up pretty well. Aros and aces are just as varied as any other group of people, and will have as diverse personalities and viewpoints. That being said, beware of stereotypes. While the stereotype may be true for some people, it's important to remember that they are stereotypes for a reason, and they should be handled with nuance and sensitivity.

[shyartist]

6 hours ago, TrueEvergreen said:

To be honest, there aren't many wrong ways to write an aroace character (at least in my opinion) as long as you keep it respectful and don't fall into the trope that "they are just confused" or "they just haven't found the right person yet" An aroace character could have many different experiences, they could fully understand their identity or not be sure, they could love this quality about themselves or hate it. Everyone has their own experiences, and as long as you don't write the character disrespectfully, you should be good. 

As of resources you could use, sadly I can't really think of any off the top of my head :(

Thanks! 

5 hours ago, allhailtheglowcloud said:

To be honest, I'd say the best way to go about it is to just interact with the various a-spec communities and listen to their experiences with aromanticism and asexuality. There is a book that comes to mind though, if that's what you're looking for: 

Ace Voices by Eris Young - while this book is mostly centered around asexuality, it incorporates a variety of perspectives and I thought it discussed intersectionality in an interesting way.

I think @TrueEvergreen summed it up pretty well. Aros and aces are just as varied as any other group of people, and will have as diverse personalities and viewpoints. That being said, beware of stereotypes. While the stereotype may be true for some people, it's important to remember that they are stereotypes for a reason, and they should be handled with nuance and sensitivity.

Thanks and  I'll check out that book. 😊

[organs and bone]

any if you want like a specific way like oriented or any other micro label or just general help don’t hesitate to reach out! good luck on your book! it’s hard work c:

[shyartist]

21 hours ago, organs and bone said:

any if you want like a specific way like oriented or any other micro label or just general help don’t hesitate to reach out! good luck on your book! it’s hard work c:

Okay thanks. Do you like writing too? Also I followed you! 🤗😊

[AquaJasper]

Don't focus on lack of romance/sex; focus on what does fill their life.  What are their passions?  Their friendships?  Their goals?  Aro/ace people aren't defined by what they don't feel, but by what they do feel and value.  Make them a fully realized person with complex motivations, not just a label.  

[shyartist]

On 12/6/2024 at 12:22 PM, AquaJasper said:

Don't focus on lack of romance/sex; focus on what does fill their life.  What are their passions?  Their friendships?  Their goals?  Aro/ace people aren't defined by what they don't feel, but by what they do feel and value.  Make them a fully realized person with complex motivations, not just a label.  

Thanks!