The Character Romance thread (Official)

In other words, "don't speak to me unless you are going to agree with me." But since you asked so nicely...


1. Start with complex characters whose arcs can move in many interesting directions first, and worry about romance later.

2. Take stock of what has gone before, so that these characters' arcs can move in new and different ways.

3. Listen to what fans actually want and use these suggestions as a guide, but not an artificial checklist.

4. Try to avoid Unfortunate Implications, like the overdone Depraced Bi/Homosexual trope, or a gay man that wants a baby at some else's behest. This does NOT mean LBGTQ NPCs must be idealized, Saturday Morning Cartoon caricatures, but three dimensional people with realistic flaws and their own beliefs.

5. Whether set sexualities (for representation) or playersexuality (for player accessibility), make sure there is a fair and even spread of Love Interests, with an equal amount of content.

6. Provide equally exciting marketing for all characters in promotion, the romantic as well as action scenes. If people are really so concerned over an LBGTQ Companion being stereotyped as "the gay one" in the trailers, just remove all romance teasers from them entirely. Love Interest information would still be available on the homepage for players who don't care about being spoiled.