I agree #5 is mostly the right way to do it. Characters should be liked because they are interesting. Adding some cookie cutter stereotype to pander to an audience is bad writing. They can embody certain traits, but it should be normal. You shouldn’t add a prejudice to a character to explain them.
“Mitchells vs. The Machine” the daughter in that was done so well. There is no “omg you’re a lesbian?!” from anyone. The family accepted it before the start, so it wasn’t even a plot point, which is how it should be. That’s just her sexual preference and not her whole identity. They didn’t hang on that as a reveal, it just happened naturally. I think it’s great to incorporate characters from all walks of life. But just remember they are normal people and not sideshow acts.
I agree #5 is mostly the right way to do it. Characters should be liked because they are interesting. Adding some cookie cutter stereotype to pander to an audience is bad writing. They can embody certain traits, but it should be normal. You shouldn’t add a prejudice to a character to explain them.
“Mitchells vs. The Machine” the daughter in that was done so well. There is no “omg you’re a lesbian?!” from anyone. The family accepted it before the start, so it wasn’t even a plot point, which is how it should be. That’s just her sexual preference and not her whole identity. They didn’t hang on that as a reveal, it just happened naturally. I think it’s great to incorporate characters from all walks of life. But just remember they are normal people and not sideshow acts.