im not as articulate as you with my words, but i just wanted to say that you are 100% correct in any other case- outside of "dark romances" which purposely dont aim for such narratives.
the intended appeal to the audience is the romance in a dark setting, so stuff like consequences and reliability usually have to be ignored for it to work.
killing stalking has that narrative consequence for actions that you are describing...its no coincidence that its not considered a romance.
i didnt even read this shit but going off the comments this is clearly a dark romance, so i just wanted to point this out lol.
Observing the dynamics between two toxic individuals can be intriguing; however, the narrative falters when innocent characters become entangled in their destructive relationship, i have a fondness for dark romances, particularly those that lean towards the lighter side, and I appreciate the underlying fantasies involved, however it's neither enjoyable nor entertaining to acknowledge that a character of significant importance to the narrative, in this particular instance, who has been a victim of gang rape, will not receive justice.
It is my conviction that even within the realm of dark romances, the storyline ought to hold accountable the malevolent actions, or at the very least recognize them as wrongful, rather than employing them solely for shock value without any consequences.
But that's just my opinion, dark themes, even when incorporated into a smutty romance intended for escapism, require careful handling. This is due to the fact that what may be a fantasy for one individual can represent a harsh reality of everyday life for another. Therefore, topics such as rape should be approached with sensitivity and consideration when added to a story.
a big aspect of dark romance is the romanticization of dark themes, specifically between the two mcs. this leaves little to no room for "justice" most of the time.
i dont like dark romance, they are are badly written due to their nature, so i just avoid them when its obvious.
this is why i find your commentary here kind of pointless, holding expectations that go against the very nature of this sub-genre is pointless.
i would like to add to what i said earlier, its not the only place that dark themes are not treated with the appropriate gravity...there are different intentions behind different types of stories- Garth Ennis comics come to mind.
murder is very normalized in mainstream entertainment when that can also be a source of trauma for many.
rape is simply expected to be treated with sensitivity because most people (who dont have trauma by ether) will emotionally find rape more uncomfortable and disturbing than they do crimes like murder. (all in the context of fiction ofc.)
I don't necessarily agree.
Relatibility should not always be a factor to every story. Think of satire with caricatures of characters that borderline stereotypes. Or even soap operas where characters are dramatized to a point of bejng comically different from how people in reality would react. Or even theatre or musicals.
I find it interesting to write morally flawed characters that have no degree of relatability, it does hinder immersion but i would not say that it is always needed. In this case i find it a relief. It gives me something to express my frustration towards (the ML) for their actions
dark comedies can be really good
Narratives featuring morally flawed protagonists must recognize the importance of relatability, even amidst the characters' selfish actions. A prime example is Bojack Horseman, who embodies traits such as sexism, abuse, and alcoholism, while simultaneously manipulating those around him.
Despite these negative attributes, he retains a degree of relatability, particularly due to his troubled upbringing, and he remains an engaging character.
When crafting a character with significant moral failings, it is essential that they possess an element of entertainment value, and the narrative should ultimately hold them accountable for their actions.
In Bojack's case, by the conclusion of the story, he finds himself devoid of a career and lacking supportive friendships, a consequence of his reprehensible behavior; the sole positive change in his life is his decision to stop drinking.
One could also consider Hannibal as a pertinent example; he commits heinous acts, including murder and cannibalism.
Nevertheless, he is portrayed as a compelling character, possessing a relatable backstory and a fascinating dynamic with Will, the protagonist.
Despite Hannibal's emotional manipulation of Will throughout the series, their relationship remains captivating, leading viewers to desire their union by the conclusion. Ultimately, however, Hannibal meets his demise, serving as a narrative consequence for his actions.
If a character is portrayed as morally flawed, it is essential to ensure they possess relatable qualities. Conversely, if the character lacks relatability, the narrative should impose consequences for their actions. Should the intention be for the character to achieve success by the conclusion of the story, it is important to render them captivating and engaging for the audience. (๑•ㅂ•)و✧