Writing Diverse Characters in Romance: Why It Matters
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| Native American romance reader reading Through a Dark Mirror by Regina Paul. Created in Dalle-3 and Canva. |
Romance novels have long held a special place in readers' hearts, offering stories of love and connection that transport us to other worlds. But as society evolves, so too must the stories we tell. It’s no secret that, for a long time, romance novels lacked diversity, focusing predominantly on white, heterosexual characters. However, we’re in a moment of change, and it's time to talk about why writing diverse characters in romance isn’t just important—it’s essential.
Why Representation Matters
When readers see themselves reflected in the characters of the stories they love, it’s more than just a nice touch. It’s validation. Diverse representation in romance novels empowers readers from marginalized backgrounds, allowing them to feel seen and heard in a genre that is, at its core, about love and human connection. Whether it's characters of different races, sexual orientations, or abilities, diverse love stories help break down stereotypes and show that everyone deserves to be loved.
According to a romance reader site, readers are demanding more inclusivity, and when these demands are met, it leads to deeper connections and broader empathy.
Romance novels have the ability to change people’s views. This makes representation a essential tool for promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Avoiding Stereotypes and Tokenism
One of the biggest challenges writers face when creating diverse characters is the risk of falling into harmful stereotypes. It’s essential to avoid portraying characters from marginalized groups in a one-dimensional way. A common pitfall is tokenism—when diverse characters are included just for the sake of diversity, without giving them the same depth as other characters. This approach can be more damaging than helpful.
As someone who comes from a Native American background, I've read my share of romance novels with American Indian stereotypes. For example the many historical romance novels from the 80's that often had the word "savage" in their title to describe the male protagonist. It was obvious from reading these novels as a teenager that little to no true research into Native American cultures or languages or from authentic sources was done. Getting it right, is crucial if you want to not only diversity your characters, but be sure you don't offend the very cultures you're attempting to honor.
Research is your best friend here. Take the time to learn about the cultures, identities, and experiences of your characters. Talk to people from the communities you're representing, read books by authors from those communities, and engage with sensitivity readers to ensure your portrayals are authentic and respectful.
The Impact of Diverse Romance
Including diverse characters not only enriches your story but also opens doors for deeper and more complex narratives. Characters from different cultural backgrounds bring with them unique challenges, perspectives, and opportunities for conflict and growth. This makes for richer storytelling that resonates with readers from all walks of life. When we write diverse romance, we show that love is not confined to one type of person or relationship—it’s universal(
For example, Jasmine Guillory and Alyssa Cole have been at the forefront of this movement, creating best-selling romance novels that feature characters of different races and sexual orientations. Their stories tackle real-world issues like interracial relationships and societal pressures, but always with the core message of love and acceptance.
How to Write Diverse Characters Well
It’s not enough to simply include diverse characters; they need to be written with care and nuance. Here are a few things to keep in mind when writing diverse characters:
Do Your Research: Understand the experiences of the community you’re writing about. This includes the social and cultural milieu in the areas where they live.
Consult Sensitivity Readers: A sensitivity reader from the same background as your character can help ensure you’re representing their community accurately and avoiding harmful tropes.
Write Individuals, Not Stereotypes: Your diverse characters should be fully fleshed out, with their own fears, desires, and motivations. Avoid reducing them to stereotypes based on their identity.
Focus on Story, Not Just Identity: Diversity shouldn’t be the only defining characteristic of your character. Their identity should be a part of who they are, but not the entire story.
Writing your books to include diverse characters isn’t just a fad, or trend—it’s a huge responsibility. It’s your responsibility as a romance author to do it in a way that honors the diverse cultures you’re writing about.When we write stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experiences, we make room for readers to see themselves in love stories and challenge outdated norms and stereotypes. As authors, it’s up to us to push for inclusivity and ensure that everyone can find themselves within the pages of a romance novel. Because in the end, love is for everyone, and everyone deserves to see their love story told.
What are your thoughts? Are you working on writing more diverse characters in your romance novels? Let me know in the comments!
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