History Main / Seme

* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'': ''Harry/Marcone'' fics ([[FanPreferredCouple of which there are many]]) portray Seme!Marcone as the default. [[HurtingHero Harry]] is himself pretty tough, but this aspect of his character is [[SturgeonsLaw often]] sidelined.)

Interestingly, "[[PhenotypeStereotype foreign characters]]" tend to be seme. This might be the literal use of the OneHeadTaller rule, [[EveryoneLooksSexierIfFrench sheer exoticism for fanservice]], or the common {{shoujo}}/{{josei}} stereotype that Western men are more aggressive and masculine (and thus seme-like) whereas Japanese men are more beautiful and refined (and thus uke-like).

Related to MasculineFeminineGayCouple.

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]

* ''Series/InterviewWithTheVampire2022'': Lestat de Lioncourt is the more dominant, aggressive, and conventionally handsome partner in his relationship with Louis de Pointe du Lac, and is usually the top when they have sex. While Lestat is only ''slightly'' taller (178 cm / 5'10" vs. 175 cm / 5'9"), the AgeLift and RaceLift denote power in other ways -- Lestat has far more vampire power (as an [[StrongerWithAge older vampire]]) as well as more societal privilege (as a white man).

* ''Series/InterviewWithTheVampire2022'': Lestat de Lioncourt is the more dominant, aggressive, older, conventionally handsome and slightly larger partner in his relationship with Louis de Pointe du Lac, and is usually the top when they have sex.

* ''Series/InterviewWithTheVampire2022'': Lestat is the more dominant, older, aggressive, conventionally handsome and larger partner in his relationship with Louis, who's also the top when they have sex (at least usually).

* In the US ''Series/QueerAsFolk'', Brian Kinney is the complete embodiment of this trope, particularly with regard to his relationship with ({{Uke}}) Justin.

A character role associated with the [[BoysLoveGenre Yaoi genre]], the Seme (or "Tachi" in Yuri works) makes up the "giving half" of the same-sex relationship and is often (though not always) more masculine than the {{Uke}}. In extreme cases this is signified by him being OneHeadTaller than the {{Uke}} though in more modern works this has become much rarer with the {{Uke}} and Seme being roughly the same height. If he wears glasses, they'll probably be thin-rimmed so it will make him look [[StoicSpectacles sophisticated, intelligent]] and/or [[ScaryShinyGlasses sinister]] (not to mention a lot more [[KichikuMegane brutal]]). The Seme is often the aggressive pursuer in a relationship, and in the cases where the {{Uke}} takes up that role, the Seme will still [[{{Pun}} come out on top]] when it comes to the lovemaking. [[InterplayOfSexAndViolence Sometimes]] [[GratuitousRape violently]]. Can be a FetishizedAbuser.

By the way; there is no "N" in Seme. That is something completely different.

* Though their relationship is [[HideYourLesbians very reserved]], Sachiko from ''LightNovel/MariaWatchesOverUs'' plays this to Yumi (and might be a TropeCodifier in the YuriGenre). She's TheOjou, is tall, and is stoic but is still affectionate to Yumi. In contrast, Yumi is the more emotional, younger looking and awkward girl who wears GirlishPigtails.

A character role associated with the [[BoysLoveGenre Yaoi genre]], the Seme (or "Tachi" in Yuri works) makes up the "giving half" of the same-sex relationship and is often (though not always) more masculine than the {{Uke}}. In extreme cases this is signified by him being OneHeadTaller than the {{Uke}} though in more modern works this has become much rarer with the {{Uke}} and Seme being roughly the same height. If he wears glasses, they'll probably be thin-rimmed so it will make him look [[StoicSpectacles sophisticated, intelligent]] and/or [[ScaryShinyGlasses sinister]] (not to mention a lot more [[KichikuMegane brutal]]). The Seme is often the aggressive pursuer in a relationship, and in the cases where the {{Uke}} takes up that role, the Seme will still [[IncrediblyLamePun come out on top]] when it comes to the lovemaking. [[InterplayOfSexAndViolence Sometimes]] [[GratuitousRape violently]]. Can be a FetishizedAbuser.

* Obviously, ''Manga/OuranHighSchoolHostClub'' could not go without referencing this - in the episode where Renge first appears and messes with the hosts' roles, the twins are confused by her "casting" Kaoru as the seme. (The English dub translates this as "the pitcher".) In the manga, Haruhi reads from Renge's script that although Hikaru seems to be in charge, Kaoru is more mature, and thus is the real seme. She doesn't get it, of course, but Honey seems to find it entertaining. Although the twins obviously can't fulfill the usual {{One Head Taller}} requirement.

** In [[WebVideo/MedukaMeguca Meduka Meguca]] fan video series, [[BigEater Kyoko]] [[{{Tsundere}} Sakura]] proudly says that she is the seme in [[LauncherOfAThousandShips every pairing that includes her]]. Judging by [[PortmanteauCoupleName how the fan base naming the pairings that include her in fanfictions and fanarts as KyoSaya, KyoMami, KyoHomu, etc]] and [[FieryRedhead her assertive attitude]], maybe this is [[JustifiedTrope justified]].

* The most standout examples in ''VideoGame/FireEmblem'' to fill this role are Raven of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemElibe'' and Ike of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemPathOfRadiance''. Both are big muscly PerpetualFrowner mercenaries who are accompanied by devoted effeminate-looking magic users.

* ''VisualNovel/NoThankYou'': Haru is this to ''[[UpToEleven all]]'' of his {{Love Interest}}s!

A character role associated with the [[BoysLoveGenre Yaoi genre]], the Seme (or "Tachi" in Yuri works) makes up the "giving half" of the same-sex relationship and is often (though not always) more masculine than the {{Uke}}. In extreme cases this is signified by him being OneHeadTaller than the {{Uke}} though in more modern works this has become much rarer with the {{Uke}} and Seme being roughly the same height. If he wears glasses, they'll probably be thin-rimmed so it will make him look [[StoicSpectacles sophisticated, intelligent]] and/or [[ScaryShinyGlasses sinister]] (not to mention a lot more [[KichikuMegane brutal]]). The Seme is often the aggressive pursuer in a relationship, and in the cases where the {{Uke}} takes up that role, the Seme will still [[IncrediblyLamePun come out on top]] when it comes to the lovemaking. [[InterplayOfSexAndViolence Sometimes]] [[GratuitousRape violently]]. Can be a BastardBoyfriend.

* Creator/{{CLAMP}}'s [[BastardBoyfriend Seishirou Sakurazuka]] is ''very much'' the classic seme to long-suffering [[{{Uke}} Subaru Sumeragi]] with no exceptions. Seishirou is nine years older, he's TallDarkAndHandsome; he is the one who begins a MindGameShip with Subaru starting when ''[[PaedoHunt Subaru's a little nine year old boy]]''. Subaru remains utterly unaware that his very life is being bet upon until Seishirou finally and brutally reveals his true nature at the end of ''Manga/TokyoBabylon'' - albeit in a rather touchy-feely way. Not to mention as further shown in the follow-up, ''Manga/{{X1999}}'', that Seishirou is extremely possessive, still extremely powerful, still touchy-feely and sadistic. His sophisticated, sensual and AffablyEvil nature is a great counterpart to the gentle, beautiful and broken [[{{Uke}} Subaru]] in every way.

By the way; there is no "N" in Seme. That is [[SomethingCompletelyDifferent something completely different]].

A character role associated with the [[BoysLoveGenre Yaoi genre]], the Seme (or "Tachi" in Yuri works) makes up the "giving half" of the same-sex relationship and is often (though not always) more masculine than the {{Uke}}. In extreme cases this is signified by him being OneHeadTaller than the {{Uke}} though in more modern works this has become much rarer with the {{Uke}} and Seme being roughly the same height. If he wears glasses, they'll probably be thin-rimmed so it will make him look [[StoicSpectacles sophisticated, intelligent]] and/or [[ScaryShinyGlasses sinister]] (not to mention a lot more [[BespectacledBastardBoyfriend brutal]]). The Seme is often the aggressive pursuer in a relationship, and in the cases where the {{Uke}} takes up that role, the Seme will still [[IncrediblyLamePun come out on top]] when it comes to the lovemaking. [[InterplayOfSexAndViolence Sometimes]] [[GratuitousRape violently]]. Can be a BastardBoyfriend.

A character role associated with the [[BoysLoveGenre Yaoi genre]], the Seme (or "Tachi" in Yuri works) makes up the "giving half" of the same-sex relationship and is often (though not always) more masculine than the {{Uke}} (whereas in real life, sex roles are generally not as rigid as that portrayed in Yaoi and are also not "assigned" according to perceived masculinity). In extreme cases this is signified by him being OneHeadTaller than the {{Uke}} though in more modern works this has become much rarer with the {{Uke}} and Seme being roughly the same height. If he wears glasses, they'll probably be thin-rimmed so it will make him look [[StoicSpectacles sophisticated, intelligent]] and/or [[ScaryShinyGlasses sinister]] (not to mention a lot more [[BespectacledBastardBoyfriend brutal]]). The Seme is often the aggressive pursuer in a relationship, and in the cases where the {{Uke}} takes up that role, the Seme will still [[IncrediblyLamePun come out on top]] when it comes to the lovemaking. [[InterplayOfSexAndViolence Sometimes]] [[GratuitousRape violently]]. Can be a BastardBoyfriend.

** Stories that pair Stan and Craig when they aren't explicitly rivals (and some where they are) tend to make one of them an {{Uke}} through {{Wimpification}} due to the fandom usually having them both as Seme's. A few good authors occasionally balance the pairing out, but a lot of them don't.
** Stan is often an uke because of his cute looks and emotional nature, except when he's paired with Kyle who is usually given a heavy dose of {{wimpification}} (it could be argued with their canon personalities Kyle is closer to the "seme" stereotype).

* Tetsuo from ''Manga/{{Yuureitou}}'' is a [[{{Transgender}} trans man]] but plays this to his friend [[spoiler:and eventual boyfriend]] Taichi. He's a handsome, well-dressed, and reserved GuileHero while Taichi is adorkable, is DisguisedInDrag for a chunk of the series, and is a DistressedDude. Tetsuo also has heavy BrokenAce elements and has a buttload of problems, though Taichi becoming his OnlyFriend helps. Tetsuo being seme material is lampshaded when Taichi imagines them having sex, with Tetsuo on top and Taichi crossdressing and on the bottom.

* Subverted with Touko of ''Manga/BloomIntoYou''. She has the base characteristics of one -- she's a tall AcademicAthlete with long, black hair who falls for a younger classmate with GirlishPigtails -- but she subverts the personality. She's a shy BrokenAce prone to [[CrushBlushing blushing and nervousness]] around Yuu.

** And [[FoeYay Vanitas]] [[ScrewYourself with Ven]]. [[spoiler: It depends on how much of a Seme Vanitas actually ''is'', given how he looks just like Sora...]]

* ''Manga/ICantUnderstandWhatMyHusbandIsSaying'': One night, Hajime and Kaoru are visited by Hajime's little brother, Mayotama, who earns his living writing Yaoi doujinshi. Later, Hajime takes Mayotama aside and warns him that Kaoru isn't an {{otaku}} like them. Mayotama then goes to Kaoru and nervously asks her what the opposite of ''"seme"'' ("attack") is, and when she answers ''"Mamoru"'' ("defense") instead of ''"uke"'', Mayotama begs her to forget everything he was talking about earlier.

* Komari's entire [[HaremGenre Harem]] in the GirlsLove {{Manga}} ''Manga/GokujouDrops''.

* The yuri classic ''Manga/KannazukiNoMiko'' has Chikane, a mysterious dark-haired beauty who pursues the other protagonist. Attention is often drawn to the contrast between Chikane's hidden desires and Himeko's virginal innocence.
* Played with to an extent in ''{{Manga/Loveless}}'' because Soubi is both taller and older than Ritsuka, but Ritsuka is the more serious of the two, requiring Soubi to "open his heart to love" despite most people identifying him as the uke.
* Konoka from ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima'' is this when paired with Setsuna. Konoka seems an {{Uke}} at first glance: she is a bubbly and naive {{Ojou}} and the resident WhiteMagicianGirl, while the more serious and reserved Setsuna is her personal bodyguard and one of the most prominent {{Action Girl}}s in the series. When it comes to their romantic interactions, however, Konoka is the extroverted and aggressive romantic partner and it's heavily implied she just likes to play innocent to deliberately provoke flustered reactions from Setsuna.

* ''Webcomic/AxisPowersHetalia'':

* Adamska in ''FanFic/{{Stray}}'' is at least ten years younger than his partner (if you're counting physical age and years of life experience [[TimeTravel and not respective dates of birth]]), but makes the initial sexual advances in their relationship due to his relatively more outgoing personality [[spoiler: and RippleEffectProofMemory.]]
* ''FanFic/ThoseLackingSpines'' has the Semes of the Organization members possessing the... you know of the Ukes of them. When a Seme combines with an Uke, the members go back to becoming their own selves. Hunting down the Semes and getting the... you know of them and returning them to the Ukes of Organization XIII makes up most of the plot to the story.

* Tetsuo from ''Manga/{{Yuureitou}}'' is a [[{{Transgender}} trans man]] but plays this to his friend [[spoiler:and eventual boyfriend]] Taichi. He's a handsome, well-dressed, and reserved GuileHero while Taichi is {{adorkable}}, is DisguisedInDrag for a chunk of the series, and is a DistressedDude. Tetsuo also has heavy BrokenAce elements and has a buttload of problems, though Taichi becoming his OnlyFriend helps. Tetsuo being seme material is lampshaded when Taichi imagines them having sex, with Tetsuo on top and Taichi crossdressing and on the bottom.

A character role associated with the [[BoysLoveGenre Yaoi genre]], the Seme (or "Tachi" in Yuri works) makes up the "giving half" of the same-sex relationship and is often (though not always) more masculine than the {{Uke}} (whereas in real life, sex roles are generally not as rigid as that portrayed in Yaoi and are also not "assigned" according to perceived masculinity). In extreme cases this is signified by him being OneHeadTaller than the {{Uke}} though in more modern works this has become much rarer with the {{Uke}} and Seme being roughly the same height. If he wears glasses, they'll probably be thin-rimmed so it will make him look [[StoicSpectacles sophisticated, intelligent]] and/or [[ScaryShinyGlasses sinister]] (not to mention a lot more [[BespectacledBastardBoyfriend brutal]]). The Seme is often the aggressive pursuer in a relationship, and in the cases where the {{Uke}} takes up that role, the Seme will still [[IncrediblyLamePun come out on top]] when it comes to the lovemaking. [[InterplayOfSexAndViolence Sometimes violently]]. Can be a BastardBoyfriend.

* Subverted with ''Manga/BloomIntoYou''. She has the base characteristics of one -- she's a tall AcademicAthlete with long, black hair who falls for a younger classmate with GirlishPigtails -- but she subverts the personality. She's a shy BrokenAce prone to [[CrushBlushing blushing and nervousness]] around Yuu.

* Obviously, ''Manga/OuranHighSchoolHostClub'' could not go without referencing this - in the episode where Renge first appears and messes with the hosts' roles, the twins briefly debate her "casting". In the manga, Haruhi reads from Renge's script that although Hikaru seems to be in charge, Kaoru is more mature, and thus is the real seme. She doesn't get it, of course, but Honey seems to find it entertaining. Although the twins obviously can't fulfill the usual {{One Head Taller}} requirement.

** Blue tends to be more often Seme than Red, but he usually becomes more of a upbeat, arrogant and almost tsundere guy in contrast to quiet, reserved and serious Red. This has been inverted starting with their adult designs in ''Sun and Moon'', where Red is a future {{hunk}} with a fair bi of muscle on him whie Blue is a {{bishonen}}.

** This tends to be inverted in Ethan/Silver works. Silver is aggressive in Lyra/Ethan works, but his [[{{Bishonen}} design]] and brash personality get him turned into Ethan's cutesy {{Tsundere}} boyfriend. How much Ethan fits the seme stereotypes depends on the artist/writer.

* Though their relationship is [[HideYourLesbians very reserved]], Sachiko from ''LightNovel/MariaSamaGaMiteru'' plays this to Yumi (and might be a TropeCodifier in the YuriGenre). She's TheOjou, is tall, and is stoic but is still affectionate to Yumi. In contrast, Yumi is the more emotional, younger looking and awkward girl who wears GirlishPigtails.

Note that this usage of the word originated in the BoysLoveGenre fandom; among "regular" Japanese people "seme" just means "attack". It is used commonly in some martial arts like kendo when referring to the attitude of an attacker. Even Japanese gay men won't necessarily know the BL meaning of the term. Non-{{otaku}} English speakers won't know what it means at all. English-speaking gay men occasionally find the use of the term as a blanket replacement for the more general "top" out of the context of the BL genre obnoxious, feeling that [[GratuitousJapanese their native language has got that concept covered already, thank you]].