[Trite Writing] Using Sexual Assault as a Plot Device

Just like every bad guy doesn't need a scar on their face, every bad guy doesn't have to be a rapist as well as a jerk. Inexperienced authors often find their plots crumbling or dry of conflict. To pick up the slack, they'll turn to a common plot device that can only end one or two ways. They're easy. They force movement. It's a story as old as time. People know it.

• The car chase.
• The distracting wizard battle in a fantasy novel no one bats an eye at because it's just so awesome
• The star ship losing power.
• The "side kick" fight.

Increasingly often, especially with authors of the YA variety, are turning to extremes. I'm sure what happened to cause this paradigm shift, but I'm seeing this bullshit pervasively. It's everywhere. I'll spare the jokes.

Here is what I have to say about rape/sexual assault being used a plot device:

1) It's distracting.
2) It's almost always written in poor taste, or so poorly it comes off that way.
3) It's extremely predictable because it only ends 1 of 2 ways, and no one dares choose door #1 (and rightfully so).

While every good spy novel could benefit or at least justifiably incorporate a well written car/foot chase, and a romance novel can justify some sex without being considered "erotica", not every

• Dystopian
• Post apocalyptic
• Horror
• YA "drama"
• "Dark" sci-fi
  
  needs a sexual assault scene--especially the "Almost rape--but escape at last minute!" scene.

I understand women (and men) experience this type of trauma in the very real world. I recognize that it's awful and people can relate to it, because we all universally understand it's awful. It's traumatic. However, this is a double-edged sword. Just because something meets the criteria of "could work in my story. Everyone will understand it" doesn't mean it fits the category of "should go in my final draft."

But Glitch, there is a real place for sexual assault in my post apocalyptic world!

Sure, but does it actually add a layer of depth to your story? Does it need to have a full chapter reserved just for your Special Susan or Mary Sue to escape her horrific and traumatic fate? No.

Here is what you're doing by including sexual assault as a gimmick (despite what you may call it, that's what it amounts to):

"See! Look how bad things are in my world! There are rapists and they almost raped my hero, but that couldn't possibly be the case because she's strong! Yay strong character! Boo rape! Boo! I'm a good author :) :) :)"

Don't sell yourself to the lowest common denominator if it can be avoided (and it almost always can). "What is the most commonly understood plot device I can utilize that will effectively convey the world and emotions I want. I know, rape!"  Really?

Time out. I want to make a distinction. To be clear here, I am not saying remove the mention of sexual assault and the like if it's necessary or genuinely part of your world. Apocalyptic, for example. You'd be hard pressed to find a story where it isn't relevant. What I'm talking about is the chapter long bullshit/info-dumps about sex slavery etc. Or worse, the 1st person POV "narrow escape" with the subsequent chapter(s) of crying/being strong/Twilight POV behavior to boot.

Can we just agree to stop using it as a gimmick?

What is more likely?

A) The character is assaulted. You literally write a rape scene in. And it's relevant. And it's "well" written (whatever that means). You somehow manage to pull it off without offending anyone or making people cringe at your writing. Congratulations...yay.

B) You opt for this: "The man who has been a jerk the entire book (or the twist super nice guy! They'll never see it coming!) corners our hero, but at the last moment, something happens where the character escapes partly the bad guy's stupidity, and partly the Mary Sue's own strength! She punches the bad guy in the face and rolls away as the knife swings and it's intense!!!!!" 

The issue is, either way is a losing scenario. Don't set yourself up to fail.

I'm all for "putting your character through hell" and "showing their strength through resilience and ability to ward off catastrophe" but there are just better ways.

"But Glitch, it's a badge of honor--she escaped rape!" 

Please don't automatically jump to the most dramatic trauma possible. Don't let trauma define your character. Stop hitting the lowest common denominator. Get creative. Don't sexually assault anyone.