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6/23/2019 5:36:39 AM
7
How to cover serious topics like abuse in a fictional story
I’m asking because I have a character I want to go through an [i]extreme[/i] shift, and I’m thinking of using abuse as a plot device to do this. Are there better ways to do this? How should I talk about abuse appropriately and in a way respectful of those who actually endured abuse, even though I’ve (thankfully) never experienced it myself?
English
#Offtopic
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Varvatos’s suggestion? Don’t talk about that topic. If you don’t know exactly how to write it it’s probably not worth it
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Make sure things happen in the story that makes sense for abuse or rough topics. Bonus points if you make it subtle. Example: I made a story about someone’s life, but he slowly went from being a normal kid, to an awkward adult who didn’t have good social interactions and even had a personality disorder. I made it so that his parents would make fun of his insecurities, but not in a way so it’s a focus. I also made it so that his family called him names that crossed the line like f*ggot or p*ssy. These can cause, or at least lead up to, what I said before.
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I would suggest reading a few stories that tackle the issue you are aiming for and see what you liked for how they addressed it. Also, know your audience. Like me for example, if it includes child abuse, I will not read about that subject at all.
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Now while I never experienced it myself and it isn't something I condone, it is inevitable to happen these days. Don't make it obvious in the moment of the abuse, and give both sides a reason why this happened (like why did the abuser abuse the character) don't let this moment be what defines who they are.
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The most important thing is to write it respectfully. There are guidelines online for how to present mental illness and things properly - look into that. If you're actually going to write the moment/moments of abuse, it's even more important to write it respectfully. Don't just put it in there for shock. And like Aifos said, don't let the abuse become the character's only notable characteristic. I'm a little concerned that you've decided to write about abuse just to change a character. There might be better ways to do that, and better reasons to write about abuse.
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Though my rhyme may seem in poor taste I recommend just playing it straight Find some sources and paste Their thoughts and experiences, all on the plate Add your own flair, but stay grounded you must After all, gravity weighs heavy on topics like these Take it seriously or it will simply become dust, Dust of a story told by some geese Find something to draw from, experience or fact To reliably make the character seem real.
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If you have a darker/more mature tone to your story, tackle it head on. Just try to avoid letting that be the only thing that defines the characters. There’s more to an abuser/abusee than just that. If you have a lighter tone, then you can try to imply that something’s wrong by showing the outside signs, but not the act itself. A clever reader will pick up what’s going on without you ever needing to outright say it. Finally, be aware that everyone responds differently to abuse.
