How To Write A Bisexual Character In A Novel?

Bisexual representation in anime is still a bit of a mixed bag, but there are definitely some standout characters that fans have embraced over the years. One that immediately comes to mind is Haruka Tenoh from 'Sailor Moon.' She’s this effortlessly cool, androgynous character who’s openly attracted to both men and women—her relationship with Michiru is iconic, but she also has moments of flirting with guys. The way her bisexuality is woven into her personality without being her sole defining trait feels refreshingly natural, especially for an older series. Then there’s Shinji Ikari from 'Neon Genesis Evangelion.' While his sexuality isn’t explicitly labeled, the series drops heavy hints—like his intense, ambiguous dynamic with Kaworu, which fans have interpreted as romantic. It’s messy and complicated, which honestly fits Shinji’s character perfectly. More recently, characters like Ymir from 'Attack on Titan' resonate too. Her feelings for Historia are central to her arc, but her backstory suggests her attraction isn’t limited by gender. It’s cool to see these layers in characters, even if anime still has room to grow in explicit representation.

Finding stories where bi characters aren't just ticking a box but actually feel like real people navigating messy lives has been a bit of a mission for me. 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' gets mentioned a lot, and for good reason—Monique's perspective feels so grounded, and Evelyn's journey across decades is less about a big 'coming out' moment and more about how her desires and public persona constantly rub against each other. It’s the kind of book where the character’s sexuality is a part of her, but not the whole plot. For something grittier, 'The Weight of the Stars' by K. Ancrum has this quiet, aching authenticity. The relationships, both romantic and platonic, are all threaded with a sense of longing and isolation that really resonated with my own younger years. The bi rep isn't loud; it's just there, woven into the character's decisions and heartbreaks in a way that feels earned, not announced. I’d also toss in 'I Wish You All the Best' by Mason Deaver. It’s technically about a nonbinary protagonist coming out to their parents, but Ben’s attraction to multiple genders is handled with such a gentle, nervous realism that it perfectly captures that specific bi+ experience of figuring things out without a clear roadmap.