Using anthropomorphic as main characters?

[Yugaro_Zero]

I have been struggling with the idea of using anthropomorphic character for my Protagonist as well as a few other main and sub characters. However given the how the media and the "Furry factor" has been blown up into what it is, with all do respect to those who participate in said lifestyle, I am uncertain if I should even continue with my writing. I have no intention of sexualizing the characters, but the plot as a whole revolves around why the characters were transformed into these anthro humanoids. Any feedback, particularly constructive ideas would be greatly welcomed.

 

[Svrtnsse]

I say go for it.

There's a big difference between "furries" and stories of anthropomorphic characters.

If you want some historical encouragement, take a look at how many fables there are featuring anthropomorphic characters. I read somewhere (and long ago), that this is a lot more common in European culture than in American so depending on where you're from you may not have come across it very much.

I can see how the connection to "furries" may be a concern, but I'm not sure it's something that'll be all that much of an issue once you actually get going, and once the reader actually gets into the story.

 

[Ban]

Don't let the coming and going of popular trends prevent you from writing what you want. Write what feels good to you.

I also second Svrtnsse. Look at some of the old european fables and you will find engaging stories with anthropomorphic animals in the leading roles. Here in the netherlands we have the fox Reynard (van den vos reynaerde). Read some Aesop fables and you will find a great number of stories with animal protagonists.

 

[Penpilot]

Write the story you want to write. If you worry too much that others will think your story is silly or will make fun of it in some way, you'll never write a darn thing. Because, writing, especially fantasy and scifi will always have elements that may seem foolish or silly at first blush.

There will always be something in a story that will have the potential to be made fun of, no matter how well respected the story or how well it's written.

As long as you make sure the tone is correct, the writing is good, and you consciously avoid straying into unwanted territory, you'll be good.

I mean if you have anthropomorphic characters bringing up sexual things in conversations, then of course the reader's mind will wander into furry territory. But if you avoid such things, even in jest, and treat the story with the proper level of earnestness, then you've done all that you can.

If this is a story you want to write, then write it. Because there will always be reasons not to write a story.

 

[SaltyDog]

I can only say to what the others have already said, but here it goes. Write what you want to write. Don't get bogged down with the stereotypes of what you're writing, go for what you want to write. I'm sure it will turn out fine.

 

[ChasingSuns]

In the end, if you don't turn it into a furry story then it won't be a furry story. As everyone has said so far, keep the focus on kind of story that you wanna tell. If told the way that you intended, I don't see the story causing this kind of reaction in readers. Well, maybe some readers, but that could happen just as easily with any other story, anthros or not. After all, we can't forget about rule 34

 

[DragonOfTheAerie]

Write the story you want to write, regardless of the outside world's opinion.

 

[evolution_rex]

I had the same fear while throwing around ideas for a fantasy revolving around anthropomorphic animals. I don't think it's anything to worry about, but let me say this; the only time the phrase 'furry' comes to mind with these types of stories is when I see art to go along with it and the art has that weird cartoon 'high school mascot' appearance to it, when I start reading about characters doing really edgy stuff that sounds like something only a 13 year old would come up with, and when of course it turns sexual or overtly romantic. If you avoid those things, which should be easy, then you're good. You could even get away with certain things too if you're good enough with tone.

 

[spectre]

Beauty and the beast, the princess and the frog, Shrek,underworld. What's not to like.

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[Ireth]

Also Redwall.

 

[spectre]

I have been trying to remember the name of that series. Thanks


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[Queshire]

I'm against it personally.

 

[DragonOfTheAerie]

Anthros and talking animals are different, though, right?

 

[R.H. Smith]

I think you could write about a single celled amoeba wanting to do stand up comedy, and if you humanize it enough, readers will invest. The one thing that all readers have in common are feelings. If you made them feel something, then you've done your job (as long as they feel what you want them to feel).

 

[Svrtnsse]

I think you could write about a single celled amoeba wanting to do stand up comedy, [...]

So, this amoeba wanted to join a monastery but was turned down - it had only one cell.


...I'll show myself out.

 

[DragonOfTheAerie]

I think you could write about a single celled amoeba wanting to do stand up comedy, and if you humanize it enough, readers will invest. The one thing that all readers have in common are feelings. If you made them feel something, then you've done your job (as long as they feel what you want them to feel).

Yes. The humanity is what makes readers relate to the character. No matter what they are externally (anthropomorphic animal, amoeba, or otherwise) they must have human feelings and minds to be relatable. It's the human feelings and minds your readers will relate to, so in those terms it won't matter whether your characters are humans or anthropomorphic animals...

 

[S.T. Ockenner]

So, this amoeba wanted to join a monastery but was turned down - it had only one cell.


...I'll show myself out.

Hilarious!

 

[S.T. Ockenner]

I'm against it personally.

Why?