Harem (genre)

Harem (ハーレムもの hāremumono; "from harem") in anime and manga is an emphasis on polygamous or love triangle relationships characterized by a protagonist surrounded amorously by three or more members of either the same and/or opposing gender, sex, and/or love interests.[1] When it is a yuri or male-hetero oriented harem series, the polygynous relationship is informally referred to as a female harem or seraglios. When it is a yaoi or female-hetero oriented harem series, the polyandrous relationship is informally referred to as a male harem, reverse harem, or gyakuhāremu (逆ハーレム).

Structure

Because romance is rarely the main focus of an entire series,[a] a harem structure is ambiguous. The most distinguishable trait is arguably the group of girls who accompany a boy and in some instances cohabitate with the boy. While intimacy is just about customary, it is never necessary. When it is present, there must be a minimum of two girls who express it. Additionally, it is not essential for there to be one exclusive boy. Many can exist as long as they are given less attention or the story calls for an unusually obscure sex ratio.[1]

Harem ending

Some visual novels offer a "harem ending" route,[2] where the main character pursues a romantic relationship with multiple other characters simultaneously. This is usually with the consent of the other characters. In some cases, the harem ending is unavoidable.[3]

Harem series

Notes

a. ^ "Series" implies any that are designated as a harem.

References

  1. 1 2 Oppliger, John (April 17, 2009). "Ask John: What Distinguishes Harem Anime?". Anime Nation. Retrieved 2009-11-16.
  2. ↑ "Harem Ending". The Visual Novel Database. Retrieved 27 May 2012.
  3. ↑ "Unavoidable Harem Ending". The Visual Novel Database. Retrieved 27 May 2012.

Further reading

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Wednesday, April 27, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.