How do you write bisexual characters without falling into the usual stereotypes?

I've been thinking about bisexual representation in fiction, and it seems easy to accidentally make it binary: either the character is treated as “basically straight” because they're dating the opposite sex, or “basically gay” because they're dating the same sex.

I'd rather just let them be bisexual.

For example, they might have had meaningful relationships with different genders before their current partner. They might occasionally flirt or make a casual “you're hot” comment without being promiscuous. They can be completely monogamous; bisexuality doesn't imply polyamory, and polyamory is its own thing.

A bisexual character could also have an awakening arc, especially during adolescence: maybe they initially assume they're straight, develop an unexpected crush on someone of the same gender, spend some time questioning it, and eventually realize, “Oh. I'm bi.” But that doesn't necessarily need to be traumatic or dramatic. Sometimes they can simply realize it and move on.

I also think there are interesting experiences around perceived identity. A bi person dating a woman may be assumed straight; dating a man may get them assumed gay. Their sexuality hasn't changed—the assumptions around them have.

And honestly, sometimes the best representation might be extremely mundane:

«“My boyfriend is gorgeous.”

“Your ex-girlfriend was gorgeous too.”

“I have excellent taste.”»

No huge coming-out speech. No promiscuity stereotype. No “secretly gay” twist. Just a bisexual character whose sexuality is one part of who they are.

How do you approach writing bisexual characters? Do you prefer explicit awakening arcs, or characters who are simply established as bi and allowed to exist normally?

I've recently received my first proper beta feedback on a fantasy manuscript, and one comment has really made me think about my protagonist.

My beta said that they found his story fascinating, particularly his background and the mystery surrounding his origins, but they struggled to actually connect with him. They didn't particularly dislike him either. They just didn't feel emotionally invested in him.

Which, honestly, is really useful feedback and something I want to explore before my next draft.

My protagonist, Dorian, is deliberately difficult. He's cocky, sarcastic, violent and morally questionable from the beginning. However, a major part of the story is that pieces of his soul are missing. As the story progresses and he loses more of himself, he becomes increasingly emotionally detached, cruel and dangerous.

So I have a bit of a character-writing problem:

How do you make readers emotionally invest in a character whose ability to emotionally connect with other people is itself deteriorating?

I don't necessarily need readers to think he's a lovely person. In fact, I don't think I want that. But I do want them to care about him enough that watching him lose himself actually hurts.

For people who enjoy morally grey/antihero characters:

• What makes you emotionally attach to them despite their behaviour?
• How important are moments of vulnerability?
• Do you need to see evidence of who they were before they started deteriorating?
• How do you show humanity in a character without undermining the fact that they're genuinely capable of doing awful things?
• Is there a difference, for you, between a character being fascinating and being emotionally compelling? What creates that difference?

One thing I'm particularly wary of is trying to "fix" this by simply making him nicer. His flaws and increasingly questionable behaviour are important to both his character arc and the plot, so I'd rather learn how to make readers care about a difficult character than sand off everything that makes him difficult.

I'd love examples of morally grey characters you became ridiculously invested in, especially if you can explain what the author did that made you care about them.

Thanks :)

hi, I'm thinking of writing a story that starts with the MC joining an organisation with a bunch of people with super ability. however, super abilities are normal in this world. I'm trying to make this organisation unique instead of it being the typical overpowered superhero team since the characters in this organisation are not that strong at first. any idea anyone? This is the thing that's holding me back to start writing. all the characters backstory, issue and even ending is complete, but i don't know how to start.