How to Realistically do an Inversion of Loves my Alter Ego?

Basically, I'm working on a Superhero story where the world was like ours until one day, seemingly for no reason, a bunch of people between the ages of 13 and 17 suddenly developed superpowers.

Anyways, it has Loads And Loads Of Characters, but for this question, only two matter.

One of them is Daniel Russet, aka Copperfield, a super with the powers of Copper manipulation and electrokinesis (though he can't create electricity). He is a scrawny, freckly boy, about average height, somewhat handsome but not to an extreme degree, with long copper hair. And that's not a metaphor. His hair is literally made of living copper (as are some of his freckles). He hides this surprisingly well. His costume is basically a black cloak with the hood concealing any facial features, with plain black clothing underneath.

The other is his love interest, Luna Blackley (who, ironically, is an albino). She is a very nice but not at all meek or submissive girl who happens to be a very good friend of (and is romantically interested in) Daniel. She also strongly dislikes Copperfield. It's not that she dislikes superheroes in general, just Copperfield (and maybe a few others that probably don't matter).

The problem is, I've set up this nifty Inversion of Loves My Alter Ego, but I'm stumped when it comes to realistic reasons for it. It is a very important part of Daniel and Luna's character arcs, so it's not as if I could remove it, but I still need a sound, realistic reason as to why. Any suggestions?

Her relationship with Daniel is quite different to that with the alter-ego. You could build on that.

Daniel might attempt A Darker Me with the freedom of a powerful alter-ego, which might give her a negative impression. A similar situation occurs even in 'Spider-Man 3' (2007), where the symbiote changes Peter yet alienates Mary Jane. In addition, the alter-ego might not be able to explain themselves, due to being less close to the female. So while she might know Daniel in depth, and have reason to overlook some of his apparent flaws, the alter-ego does not have any such fortune. The alter-ego is also probably in more violent or conflicted situations, so there's that.

Or, of course, a love triangle with a villain. As there are identifiable traits connecting Daniel with the alter-ego, he might shy away from trying to discuss the alter-ego. Others might have more influence, and cast aspersions on the alter-ego.

I could work with all of those except the Love Triangle.

Thanks for the advice.

Check out Likes Clark Kent, Hates Superman.

edited 6th Jun '18 11:58:16 AM by Kickisund

Bumped