1 | [[quoteright:329:[[Manga/BlackBird2006 https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Black-Bird-V1.jpg]]]] |
2 | [[caption-width-right:329:They're in love, can't you ''tell?'']] |
3 | |
4 | ->''"Sometimes he's rough\ |
5 | He throws me down the stairs, but deep inside he cares"'' |
6 | -->-- '''Mae''', "The Stuff", ''Film/ReeferMadnessTheMusical'' |
7 | |
8 | A common [[AnimeCharacterTypes Japanese character type]], the ''kichiku'' (literally "brutal" or "demonic") character is an AlwaysMale {{Love Interest|s}} whose defining trait is that he is cold, cruel, or abusive to his romantic partner, in a manner [[FetishizedAbuser intended to be kinky and appealing to the audience]]. Western versions exist, but are comparatively rare due to their implications, except in fanfiction (which lacks the watchful eyes of MoralGuardians). |
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10 | Kichiku can be readily distinguished from being a {{Jerkass}} or committing DomesticAbuse because their abuse is [[{{Fanservice}} eroticized]], and their beloved's conflict and unhappiness will be played for titillation. As such, they are all-but-guaranteed to be MrFanservice, usually a {{Bishonen}}, and the consequences of their behavior are almost never [[DeconstructedTrope handled realistically]]. The kichiku ''almost always'' [[OfficialCouple gets his girl (or guy)]], even in cases where they [[StrangledByTheRedString don't seem particularly compatible]], although a few are doomed to merely be [[RomanticFalseLead the rival]]. |
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12 | This type is common in YaoiGenre (as a standard {{Seme}} type), {{Shoujo}}, and, to a lesser extent, {{Josei}} romances, but comparatively rare in works aimed at a male audience, where guys like this are more likely to be the RomanticFalseLead or just a {{villain|ousCrush}}. |
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14 | Their love interest, which can be either male or female, is usually TheProtagonist, although a minority of stories are from the kichiku's point of view. They will probably be presented as a LoveMartyr or TheWoobie, and is likely to spend quite a bit of the story [[{{Angst}} anguishing over the relationship]], possibly while [[SparklingStreamOfTears weeping beautifully]]. This trope has next to no overlap with BelligerentSexualTension since kichiku never seem to show an interest in anyone with the backbone to defy them. |
15 | |
16 | Kichiku come in two major types: |
17 | |
18 | '''Unconflicted''' (standard): Poised, confident, and perfectly happy with his own behavior, either because he [[ItsAllAboutMe doesn't care what the other party thinks of him]], genuinely believes that abduction and molestation are [[StalkingIsLove viable ways of showing his affection]], or [[ForTheEvulz just is a plain, sadistic bastard]]. |
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20 | '''Conflicted''' (alternate): TroubledButCute and his abusiveness is generally driven by [[GreenEyedMonster jealousy]], insecurity, [[CannotSpitItOut a crushing inability to express his feelings]], a DarkAndTroubledPast that completely screwed up with his view of the world, or (very rarely) a desire to [[BreakHisHeartToSaveHim drive the other person away]] (possibly out of a belief that they will be [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy happier with someone else]]). This type may have started as an attempt at a [[DeconstructedTrope more realistic]] implementation of the character type. |
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22 | Both kinds are highly likely to be [[CrazyJealousGuy jealous and possessive]]. Expect plots to feature a GreenEyedEpiphany -- a character realizing their love only via jealousy. |
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24 | The kichiku is likely to be [[LoveRedeems redeemed]] by ThePowerOfLove at the end of the book; alternately, he may eventually be revealed to be [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold nicer underneath]]. A minority may be revealed to have a FreudianExcuse (such as AbusiveParents or [[LoveHurts extremely bad former romances]]). If none of these things happen, his partner may decide that StalkingIsLove and embrace their status as a LoveMartyr. Along the way, the kichiku may well be MasterOfTheMixedMessage, if the author needs something to keep his partner strung along. |
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26 | Mature-rated works that have Kichiku characters are likely to involve [[MindGameShip psychological abuse]], rather rapey behavior, and maybe some {{B|oundAndGagged}}DSM. PG-rated examples tend to be [[TallDarkAndSnarky cold, aloof, or sarcastic]]. In either case, fan reaction tends to be polarized: either they're [[PerverseSexualLust hot and sexy]] and their love affair is {{squee}}able, or they're total {{Jerkass}}es and the relationship is {{squick}}tastic. |
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28 | Works that contain StalkerWithACrush or MadLove relationships are likely to attract [[DracoInLeatherPants fan interpretations]] where the characters are recast along these lines. |
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30 | For the trope that covers this type of character, see FetishizedAbuser. See also KichikuMegane, which is a related MediaNotes/AnimeFanspeak term for a type of FetishizedAbuser. |
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