Writing Bisexual Characters Without Falling Into Tropes

How can authors avoid relying on the 'greedy' or 'promiscuous' bisexual stereotype?

To move past the promiscuity trope, focus on the character’s internal consistency. A character shouldn't be defined by the number of partners they have, but by their capacity for loyalty. If you write a character like Rosa Diaz from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, you see someone whose identity is independent of her romantic history. She doesn't need to date multiple people at once to prove her orientation; her self-declaration is sufficient. Give them a life where their romantic choices are governed by the same standards of integrity as any other character.

The nuance here is that characters can certainly be polyamorous or sexually adventurous, but those traits must stem from their personality, not their bisexuality. If a character is promiscuous, show it as a specific lifestyle choice rather than an inherent byproduct of being attracted to more than one gender.

What are the common pitfalls when depicting a bisexual character's transition from a heterosexual to a same-sex relationship?

Writers often force a dramatic "coming out" or a sudden shift in personality when a character moves from a heterosexual to a same-sex relationship, which feels artificial. Instead, treat their previous relationship as just one part of their history. A lot of people assume that a bisexual person’s orientation changes based on their current partner, but their attraction remains static regardless of who they are dating. Keeping the character’s core personality consistent helps the audience understand that their sexual identity is a permanent, internal trait, not a reaction to their environment.

Why is it problematic to imply that bisexuality is merely a 'phase' or a stepping stone toward monosexuality?

Treating bisexuality as a phase suggests that a person is simply "on the way" to being gay or straight. This implies their current attractions are immature or temporary, which invalidates the lived experience of millions. When a narrative arc focuses on a character "realizing" they were gay all along after a period of identifying as bisexual, it reinforces the myth that bisexuality is a bridge rather than a destination. This narrative trajectory denies the character the agency to know their own mind.

There is a nuance where characters might genuinely discover new things about themselves over time. However, this should be framed as personal growth rather than a correction of a "wrong" label. A character can evolve, but the story shouldn't equate that evolution with the abandonment of their bisexual identity as if it were a costume they outgrew.

How can writers ensure a bisexual character's identity remains valid even when they are in a committed relationship with one gender?

Yes, a character’s identity remains valid regardless of their current partner. Research indicates that approximately 80 percent of bisexual adults are in a relationship with a different-gender partner, proving that "straight-passing" is a common reality that does not negate their orientation.

What is the impact of 'erasure' in fiction, and how can authors explicitly confirm a character's bisexuality?

Erasure strips characters of their agency and reinforces the false binary that forces individuals into monosexual categories.

• Coffee orders or casual mentions of past ex-partners of different genders can ground the character's history in daily life.
• Dialogues should include the character self-identifying using the word "bisexual" rather than relying on vague terms like "queer" or "fluid" if the goal is explicit confirmation.
• Photographs on a desk or mantle showing a diverse range of past romantic partners provide visual evidence of their attraction history.
• Calendars might track social events or community meetings that specifically highlight their involvement in bisexual-focused advocacy or support groups.

In what ways does the 'bi-curious' trope undermine authentic representation of bisexual experiences?

The bi-curious trope reduces a legitimate, lifelong identity to a fleeting experiment, suggesting that bisexuality is merely a performance for others.

1. Avoid framing the character's first same-sex encounter as a "drunken mistake" or a "dare."
2. Make sure the character expresses attraction to multiple genders long before they act on those feelings.
3. Remove scenes where the character treats their same-sex partner as a novelty or a secret hobby.
4. Give the character a clear, internal monologue that acknowledges their attraction as a stable part of their self-perception.
5. Show the character experiencing genuine heartbreak or joy in same-sex relationships, mirroring the depth of their opposite-sex experiences.

How can creators balance a character's sexual orientation with their broader personality to avoid tokenism?

Integrating a character's orientation into their life requires balancing their romantic identity with their broader, non-romantic aspirations.

• Architecture projects or specific career goals can define their daily struggles and triumphs more than their dating life.
• Backpack contents or hobby gear, such as climbing equipment or musical instruments, show a life lived outside of the bedroom.
• Symptoms of stress or professional burnout should relate to their actual job or personal challenges, not just their romantic confusion.
• Languages or specific cultural interests can add layers to their personality that exist entirely outside of their sexual attractions.

What narrative techniques help distinguish between bisexuality and pansexuality to prevent conflating the two identities?

No, these identities are distinct, as bisexuality typically denotes attraction to more than one gender, while pansexuality often implies attraction regardless of gender. You can distinguish them by having the character explicitly identify their own label, as 100 percent of the validity of these terms relies on the individual's personal definition.