How to create a Harlequin: Female version 1: Strong, proud woman who knows men are creeps...

How to create a Harlequin:

Female version 1: Strong, proud woman who knows men are creeps and won't have anything to do with them - but then fall in love with the epitome of whatever type of man they especially hate anyways

Female version 2: Innocent/naive woman, either because she's been way too sheltered by her family, or she just simply hasn't learned that not all men are trustworthy; who then get either conned and/or seduced into the bed of the male lead

* Either virgin when they meet the ML (who is always surprised by the fact) and/or treated like a whore because they have had experience with men, or just because they're rich and/or beautiful (and very often both virgin and treated like a bargaining piece!); also often used as a sacrificial lamb by her own family because of debts


Male version 1: Arrogant asshole who either had a hard upbringing but managed to make a name for himself, or who has been spoiled all his life (most likely rich in both cases), and who also thinks he's God's gift to women - largely because he's used to sleeping around and having women fawn over him because of his good looks and/or money

Male version 2: Childhood friend of the FL who was rejected before, either because of the influence of the FL's family, or because she wasn't ready to consider marriage; who therefore is nursing a grudge for X years until he finally has a chance to come back and claim the FL in the end even though he probably no longer cares about her

Male version 3: Often naive man who either doesn't have much experience with women, and/or lost the love of their life and so don't believe they can ever love again; may or may not also have a child or two to look after and therefore also needs "a woman" in their life to help take care of them and give them a mother's love (usually the best version of ML, but very rare!)

* Usually thinks all women are the same; don't listen to half of what the FLs say; always jealous of all male friends; forcibly kisses FLs whenever they want (and often rapes them); claims a connection to justify seducing FL even when she clearly rejects them; takes it extremely personally and essentially vows revenge when the FL rejects them; uses blackmail; etc.


*** Version 1 stereotypes for both characters in this book! ***


Seriously, finding a good Harlequin is always like hunting for a diamond in the rough! I love seeing people's comments for horrible stories like this though; it makes me think there is hope for the human race after all. (●￣(ｴ)￣●)