How to Plan Nonbinary Characters in Fiction Effectively

What linguistic considerations are necessary when selecting pronouns and honorifics for nonbinary characters?

Select pronouns based on the character’s comfort, noting that over 75% of nonbinary individuals use they/them pronouns in English. If you choose neopronouns like ze/zir, provide context clues early so readers don't stumble over the grammar. Consistency matters more than the specific choice of linguistic markers.

How can an author effectively depict a character's internal journey regarding their gender identity without relying on trauma-based tropes?

Focus on the character’s pursuit of personal joy and self-actualization rather than their reaction to external bigotry. Instead of a narrative centered on the pain of being misgendered, describe the quiet satisfaction of finding a wardrobe that fits their aesthetic or the comfort of a chosen name. For instance, a character might spend their downtime practicing a specific hobby that allows them to express their gender expression through creative output, such as tailoring their own clothing to better suit their frame.

The exception occurs when the character’s internal conflict stems from their own evolving self-perception rather than external validation. It is perfectly valid for a character to feel uncertain or to experiment with different labels over time. This internal exploration provides a rich, grounded arc that centers the character’s agency and growth without requiring the presence of an antagonist or a traumatic inciting incident.

In what ways can world-building influence the societal perception and terminology of nonbinary identities within a fictional setting?

The cultural framework of your world dictates whether gender is viewed as a rigid binary or a fluid spectrum.

1. Establish if the language has gender-neutral nouns or if characters must invent new titles to replace gendered ones like lord or lady.
2. Define how the legal system records identity, such as using a numerical code instead of male or female markers.
3. Determine if religious or magical traditions recognize nonbinary individuals as having specific spiritual roles or distinct social statuses.
4. Consider if the history of the world includes ancient, pre-binary cultures that normalized identities outside the traditional male-female split.

How should a writer balance the inclusion of nonbinary characters with the avoidance of tokenism or caricature?

Avoid tokenism by giving nonbinary characters distinct goals that have nothing to do with their gender, such as solving a murder or managing a business. When multiple nonbinary characters exist in one story, make sure they have conflicting personalities and interests. A lot of people assume that including a single nonbinary character is enough to represent the entire community, but this often leads to a flat character who exists only to fulfill a diversity quota rather than to drive the plot forward.

What are the common pitfalls to avoid when writing nonbinary characters in historical or fantasy contexts?

Avoid assuming that historical settings were universally binary, as many cultures recognized third-gender roles centuries ago. Research the specific era, as some societies historically utilized 3 or more gender categories. Don't force modern terminology into settings where it lacks a functional equivalent, as this often breaks the reader's immersion.

How does the intersection of nonbinary identity with other aspects of a character's background, such as culture or disability, shape their narrative arc?

The intersection of identity and background forces characters to navigate unique power dynamics that shift their personal priorities.

• Diabetes: A character managing a chronic condition might find that their medical needs take precedence over gender expression when dealing with indifferent healthcare providers.
• Kimchi: A character’s connection to traditional family meals can become a site of friction if their relatives refuse to acknowledge their identity during shared rituals.
• Borderline: A character living near a geopolitical divide may have to hide their identity to cross safely, creating a tension between their survival and their authentic self.
• Basset: A character’s responsibility to a companion animal can ground their narrative, providing a source of unconditional support that remains constant regardless of social rejection.

What strategies can be used to communicate a character's nonbinary identity to the reader without resorting to excessive exposition?

Integrate identity through natural interactions and environmental details that reflect the character's life. Instead of a formal introduction, show a character correcting a stranger’s assumption in a brief, low-stakes moment, or depict them selecting a specific style of formal wear that aligns with their identity for a gala. These small, consistent choices signal their reality to the reader without halting the narrative flow for a lecture.

The nuance arises when the character prefers to keep their identity private or ambiguous. In such cases, you can rely on the character’s internal monologue or their comfort with specific spaces to signal their identity to the reader. This approach respects the character’s boundaries while still providing the necessary information, allowing the reader to understand the character’s perspective through their behavior rather than through explicit, forced dialogue.

How can authors ensure that nonbinary characters are granted the same narrative agency and complexity as cisgender characters?

Granting agency requires that nonbinary characters make choices that move the plot forward, rather than having the plot happen to them.

• Espresso: A character’s dependency on a daily ritual can serve as a grounding mechanism during high-stakes scenes, showing their human habits.
• Tinnitus: A persistent sensory distraction can force a character to adapt their communication style, demonstrating their resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Greyhound: A character’s athletic or physical pursuits can provide a venue for them to challenge societal expectations of their body and capability.
• Four: A group of close friends, including this character, creates a support system that allows for complex, multi-layered interpersonal conflicts that exist outside of gender politics.