: Re: How should you use sexually deviant monsters in fantasy? terror is a real and powerful thing. A monster is ever-so-slightly scarier if it violates you in some way. there have been many of these

@Sue2132873

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So much of this depends on your ability as a writer. In the hands of one author, a monster like this could enhance the story, with a different author, it could cause people to throw the book across the room. The idea, in and of itself, can work, but it's tricky.

What I think makes the biggest difference is the underlying morality tale. Sure, they're for both men and women, but in different ways.

For men, it's about being careful who you choose as a sexual partner, because women can steal your power or are monsters in disguise or will drag you down.

But for women, the message is, don't have sexual urges at all. Don't disobey your father or husband. And don't spend any time with outside men. A man might be in danger from a monster, but a women is no longer worthy of protection from monsters if she "strays."

Even the most modern works often draw on these reservoirs of sexism. And authors who write about periods or invented worlds where such sexism was indeed rampant, will fall into the trap of believing they must mirror it (racism gets the same treatment, but those are different sorts of monsters).

So decide what your underlying message is. Do you want a monster that reinforces it? Or one that reinforces the prevailing morality that your characters chafe against? Does your monster punish those who freely enter into sexual relationships or perhaps is it a monster who punishes those who violate consent?

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