Line #10 SoYouWantTo/WriteAHaremHero


1	[[SoYouWantTo/WriteAHaremAnime So you want to write a harem anime]]. Yay, you already have a theme for it, as well as the plot. As well as the harem members in question.
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3	But how about the protagonist?
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5	Simply put, the Harem Hero is the main lead in the entire story, oftentimes refer specifically to a male lead in a harem story with action elements (sometimes complete with BattleHarem and/or MagicalGirlfriend).
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7	----
8	!!Basics
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10	CharacterizationTropes come as priority. You can have TheEveryman, oftentimes acting as AudienceSurrogate. Even then, you must avoid FlatCharacter at all cost. Simply put, add something that could flesh your character.
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12	Even if your character started out as uninteresting/unlikeable, CharacterDevelopment is required. For example, a DirtyCoward could become a CowardlyLion or [[TheSoCalledCoward someone who's supposed to be coward but charges ahead]].
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14	!!Reason
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16	There should be a reason why the girls are interested in our hero. The reason might be flimsy, but at the very least, [[WillingSuspensionofDisbelief it must be acceptable to the audience]].
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18	A NiceGuy attracting a Harem [[SingleWomanSeeksGoodMan due to kindness]] is overdone, but note that if applied correctly, Administrivia/TropesAreNotBad.
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20	Some show attempt to subvert this by having HotBlooded JerkWithAHeartOfGold as the base characteristic, where the kindness element is downplayed but certainly still exists.
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22	In stories specifically about BattleHarem, the Hero might be required by the {{Action Girl}}s for certain roles (MissionControl, MacGuffin, KidWithTheLeash etc). This gives him another role outside the obvious harem plot.
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24	!!Type
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26	The hero of a HaremAnime typically comes in certain distinct flavors.
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28	* '''Type 1:''' Hero lacks power to fight the threats by himself and lets powerful heroines fight against them. Since the main fighting force for Type 1 characters are heroines, he tends to gain additional, powerful female characters as the story progresses. The hero in type 1 generally acts as a power generator support to the girls. Often, these heroes do not want to accept the [[RefusalOfTheCall reality]] of their power, and are quite weak willed; frequently they [[IJustWantToBeNormal wish]] that things would go back to the way it was before. A type 1 hero is extremely similar to Pokemon trainers, but with all the Pokemon replaced by girls.
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30	* '''Type 2:''' Hero can fight against threats by himself, holding his own against enemies if required. In this setting, heroines often function as ''{{Faux Action Girl}}s'', or as ''TrueCompanions'' in battle. In reality, there are sub-categories of type 2.
31	** ''Type 2A'' are the heroes that lack experience and are still somewhat innocent in the new world they are dragged into. They are initially treated as Type 1, but eventually [[CharacterDevelopment evolve]] and willing to [[TookALevelInBadass learn how to fight]].
32	** ''Type 2B'' are heroes that are strong and are [[JumpedAtTheCall willing]] to fight from the onset of the series. It should be noted that the harem still plays a major role in fights, but are not a dominating fighting force--as the protagonist is often the strongest character on the team.
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34	Simply put, how much TheHero is involved and how effective he is in fights. However, MadeOfIron is a universal trope often carried by TheHero. Whether he's a {{Muggle}}, ActionSurvivor or super-powered individual, the hero must be able to soak a lot of damage (whether [[NotAGame serious]] or [[AmusingInjuries comedic]]).
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36	!!Potential Subversions
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38	* In every harem the main lead is usually a guy. Why not change it up and make the main lead a female, or even genderqueer? If you really want to go outside the box, they could also identify as transgender!
39	* Who says a harem series has to be a romantic one? The group in question could develop into TrueCompanions with little to no hint of romantic desires.

Context SoYouWantTo / WriteAHaremHero