The only real people involved in a fic are the writer and the reader

When fictional characters are fictionally raped in a fic, it is a shared fantasy between writer and reader, a game of make-believe where we are entertained by the emotions the fantasy situation provokes in us, whether that be horror (who doesn't like a good, safe, cosy fright?), catharsis (sometimes the best way of dealing with situations that affect us deeply is at a remove), arousal (what more relaxed and escapable game of power-exchange than engaging only by fictional proxy?), humor or anything else.

The labels "noncon", "dubcon", "rape fantasy", "graphic descriptions of sexual assault" etc. are a uni-directional way for writer and reader to negotiate consent. ( Read more... )