Your opinion as readers on non-binary mc in an action story

[CheertheSecond]

What are your thought on an action battle shounen series that has the protagonist that is neither male or female?

I am talking about the case where the mc is

(1) a hermaphrodite (having reproductive organs of both sexes) or

(2) is lacking genitals and mammary glands.


What is your opinion? Do you prefer an action protag with traditional sex instead (either male or female)?

Do you dislike a protag with such special trait?


In case you were asking "why does the protag in such a battle series have either both genital types or neither of them?"

The answer is it makes more sense for the mc to be neither male or female because of their background lore and this background lore is important to the story and cannot be compromised. This trait is the tool for the mc and it explains their origin.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

Probably won't read it.

 

[LuoirM]

I really don't give a fuck, that MC could rape a horse since 12 years old for all I know I care more about the plot

 

[QuercusMalus]

Don't care. If the story is good it doesn't matter. If they start every conversation with someone new with 'By the way, I don't have genitals,' or 'I have male and female sex organs' then you failed the first condition and I'm dropping it.

It should be an aspect of their character, not the entirety of their character.

 

[melchi]

Usually authors assign a gender to a genderless race. What protag goes by 'it'?

Like in mechanical crafter the main character is a golem called repair. However, the MC is also a reincarnator and was male in the previous life. So while a bot doesn't have any gonads that doesn't mean that they can't pick a pronoun.

 

[Deleted member 84247]

If the story is good I’d read it.

 

[LilRora]

It'll depend on the details, but my general opinion is:
1) fine, though be careful with it; most people have bias in regards to those stories,
2) sure, actually, I feel like this area isn't explored nearly enough. There's a ton of races that fit there, not even counting artificial lifeforms and constructs, that can be used both in fantasy and sci-fi.

Inherently I've nothing against either, and the second one actually interests me. I can't say if I prefer those over traditional male/female. They both are different in essence, and there's a lot topics you can talk about with one that are difficult to even bring up with the other, though a bit of advice, don't make it a core part of the story, unless you specifically want it to be a core part of the story.

...Did that make sense? It's hard to put into words. What I mean is, if you make sure that someone not specifically interested in a genderless character will have another crucial part of the story to follow, hopefully everyone who's not straight up repulsed by those topics might give it a try. Just like, dunno, like a system. Unless you want a story that specifically revolves around a system, make sure you have something else that will attract readers who don't care about a system.

 

[Deleted member 54065]

I don't think there's anything new (or groundbreaking) about having a non-binary person in an action story. They are also people, and the theme is action, not sex (or sexual orientations). Men, women, gay, lesbian, pansexual, non-binary, abrams or apache heli...anyone can shoot a gun and punch someone till their faces bleed.

Although, I doubt the target demographic (OP says Battle Shounen series) would relate to the MC.

 

[Satansoul]

I think Rimuru from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime was also genderless, and many people like that novel. It mostly depends on the quality of the novel. If it's good, no one will pay attention to the contents of MC's pants. (Although, personally, I like romance along with other genres of a novel, even if it is mentioned very little, but according to what you say, there is not supposed to be a romance)

 

[RepresentingWrath]

I think Rimuru from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime was also genderless, and many people like that novel. It mostly depends on the quality of the novel. If it's good, no one will pay attention to the contents of MC's pants. (Although, personally, I like romance along with other genres of a novel, even if it is mentioned very little, but according to what you say, there is not supposed to be a romance)

But it is isekai. I would argue it's not the same, but it depends on what OP meant by "action story."

 

[georgelee5786]

It's stupid. Who gives a shit if they have one dick, three dicks, are female and have fourteen vaginas, it doesnt matter to the story. It's an unnecessary detail with no benefits to the plot. I'm not gonna get all excited because the MC has a dick and a vagina.

 

[RepresentingCaution]

Don't care. If the story is good it doesn't matter. If they start every conversation with someone new with 'By the way, I don't have genitals,' or 'I have male and female sex organs' then you failed the first condition and I'm dropping it.

That reminds me a lot of a novel I rejected. I wanted to like it, but it was too annoying.

 

[J_Chemist]

Slim chance that I'll read it.

 

[WhiteRose-BlueSpace]

I'd happily read it, I quite like MCs that are different and I'd certainly not dislike them for it. However, I am interested in how it would be plot-relevant.

 

[Conqueror_Quack]

I don't care if the plot doesn't revolve around romance and gender all I want is boom boom

 

[TheMonotonePuppet]

What are your thought on an action battle shounen series that has the protagonist that is neither male or female?

I am talking about the case where the mc is

(1) a hermaphrodite (having reproductive organs of both sexes) or

(2) is lacking genitals and mammary glands.


What is your opinion? Do you prefer an action protag with traditional sex instead (either male or female)?

Do you dislike a protag with such special trait?


In case you were asking "why does the protag in such a battle series have either both genital types or neither of them?"

The answer is it makes more sense for the mc to be neither male or female because of their background lore and this background lore is important to the story and cannot be compromised. This trait is the tool for the mc and it explains their origin.

Depends. As long as the background lore is not there to fulfil some kink or harem plot, I'd enjoy it for sure! It'd be hella nice to mix it up!
What brought on this question?
I do not prefer an action protag with traditional sex, nor do I dislike protags with such traits!

 

[Ellieporter]

What are your thought on an action battle shounen series that has the protagonist that is neither male or female?

I am talking about the case where the mc is

(1) a hermaphrodite (having reproductive organs of both sexes) or

(2) is lacking genitals and mammary glands.


What is your opinion? Do you prefer an action protag with traditional sex instead (either male or female)?

Do you dislike a protag with such special trait?


In case you were asking "why does the protag in such a battle series have either both genital types or neither of them?"

The answer is it makes more sense for the mc to be neither male or female because of their background lore and this background lore is important to the story and cannot be compromised. This trait is the tool for the mc and it explains their origin.

You just described the 36 sermons of Vivec, it's just like this...

 

[MintiLime]

Currently writing using option 2! (Different genre tho) Although, I just used they pronouns and um I don’t think anyone actually cares? It’s not a big plot point right now either.

just don’t be weird about it and it’s fine! Like no sexualization etc

 

[Comiak]

From my experience with having hermaphrodite characters in my book, half of people don't like it.

 

[Cipiteca396]

If you're really focused on action and fighting, 2 offers a tactical advantage by removing a critical weak point. So that's already a major plus.

If you're not actually focusing on the fighting, then it depends on how respectful you are. Don't use your story as an excuse to bully people who are already under fire, and you'll be fine.