#y’all have probably noticed that I have a penchant for writing characters who are bad at communicating their boundaries | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

inksandpensblog · 10 months

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“Putting characters in messed up situations” isn’t enough. I need to put characters in situations with obstacles that are designed to herd them towards one horrible outcome…and watch them shine as they navigate a way around the obstacles to an outcome that’s not as horrible as it could’ve been.

#my thoughts #like #yes power imbalances are compelling BUT #I don’t often see stories where the one with power is TRYING TO even the balance #spotting the places where they could press an advantage and steering clear of them because they don’t wanna be that person #maybe missing a few cues due to personal biases but still doing what they can to even the playing field for the other #idk but when they’re consciously trying NOT TO take advantage it makes the times they unwittingly DO more compelling #like what are your blind spots 👀#and for the person on the disadvantaged side #what’s that like?#to have their autonomy respected by the one whose hands their fate is in #but even though their position is sympathized with it isn’t completely understood #some elements are missed #y’all have probably noticed that I have a penchant for writing characters who are bad at communicating their boundaries #usually because they’ve learned (through harsh life experiences) that they won’t be heeded (or they think they don’t deserve to be)#but I think it’s also fun to #put them with characters who are adept at sensing those boundaries anyway #watch them feel around the edges for where the rough and sensitive spots are #so they know where it’s okay to be blunt or sharp and where they must be gentle and soft #or if they can’t SENSE boundaries they at least like. have the ability to observe and make connections #writing #whump #ava enthusiasts #(also when I say “horrible outcome” it might not always be framed that way by the narrative)#(but it’s definitely meant to be perceived as horrible by the audience)

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