This is specific to what I'm writing, so feel free to move it elsewhere.
Essentially I have a character (a teenage boy) who is attracted to children. While he tries to deal with this, he ends up on dates with several different girls. He eventually finds himself most comfortable with a very shy, passive girl with whom he shares a lot of academic interests.
The issue is that she's Asian and that makes her terribly stereotypical. I'd like to offset that.
I was thinking about giving her a sister who is the exact opposite. She'd be mentioned in passing, rather than in a scene. But I think it would be enough to establish I didn't write her as Asian because I think all Asian girls are childlike.
Another thing I had considered was making his interpretation of her behavior somewhat stereotypical but giving her little moments where it becomes apparent she's not all that passive and quiet. Small moments where she asserts herself and astute readers will interpret this as an introvert rather than a "passive Asian girl."
I am pretty set on keeping her Asian. It leads to some interesting conversations later (his father calling her 'oriental') I just don't want too many people to question my intent. I know some will be upset regardless, but I want to make an effort to address that.
Any suggestions? Thoughts?
Essentially I have a character (a teenage boy) who is attracted to children. While he tries to deal with this, he ends up on dates with several different girls. He eventually finds himself most comfortable with a very shy, passive girl with whom he shares a lot of academic interests.
The issue is that she's Asian and that makes her terribly stereotypical. I'd like to offset that.
I was thinking about giving her a sister who is the exact opposite. She'd be mentioned in passing, rather than in a scene. But I think it would be enough to establish I didn't write her as Asian because I think all Asian girls are childlike.
Another thing I had considered was making his interpretation of her behavior somewhat stereotypical but giving her little moments where it becomes apparent she's not all that passive and quiet. Small moments where she asserts herself and astute readers will interpret this as an introvert rather than a "passive Asian girl."
I am pretty set on keeping her Asian. It leads to some interesting conversations later (his father calling her 'oriental') I just don't want too many people to question my intent. I know some will be upset regardless, but I want to make an effort to address that.
Any suggestions? Thoughts?