harem

is a genre of light novels, manga, anime,video games originating in Japan in the 1970s but exploding late 1980s and 1990s with dating simulator games and focused on polygynous or polyandrous relationships, where a protagonist is surrounded by three or more androphilic/gynephilic suitors, love interests and/or sexual partners. Harem works are frequently comedies that rely on self-insertion protagonists allowing the audience to project themselves unto, and on having relatable and interesting ensemble cast of characters. A story featuring a heterosexual male or homosexual female protagonist paired with an all-female/yuri harem series is informally referred to as a or , while a heterosexual female or gay male protagonist paired with an all-male/yaoi harem series is informally referred to as a , , or . Although originating in Japan, the genre later inspired variants in Western media. Structure A harem structure is ambiguous. The most distinguishable trait is the group of polyamorous females or males who accompany the protagonist and, in some instances, live with the protagonist. Intimacy is customary but never necessary. Key characteristics Typically, harem fiction fixes on key characteristics.   First, the protagonist, typically an everyman-archetype, has very little characterization other than being nice, reacting passively to their surroundings.  This can let the readers insert themselves in the character's stead or develop sympathy for the character.