Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Aidee Ladnier:
Why so many alpha males? Where is the diversity of main characters?
I’d extend this out past the subject as stated. Yes, we have a glut of alpha male characters – especially on the romance side of speculative fiction (and maybe especially in shifter books?). But we also have a preponderance of cute young white male characters.
But I’d also argue that a lot of our fiction, romance, and otherwise, lacks diversity. Diversity of orientation, of gender, of color, and of ability.
Are readers ready for more? As a reader, are there certain types of characters you look for but rarely find? What are some of your favorite books that defied character stereotypes, alpha and otherwise?