The concept of chivalry in fiction has traditionally centered around male protagonists rescuing women, often portraying men as protectors and women as the ones in need of saving. However, in recent years, adult fiction has witnessed a radical shift with a rise in stories where the roles are reversed. In these, it's not the woman who needs saving, but the man who finds himself helpless, requiring a woman to be his savior. This revolution of gender shifting is a reflection of the changing landscape of modern storytelling, and the appetite of its readers, serving up fresh perspectives on vulnerability, heroism, and empowerment. I call this, the Man-sel in Distress.

Challenging Traditional Gender Roles:

For centuries, literature has framed men as the archetypal protectors. They are the brave knights or steadfast heroes who safeguard women from danger. Women, on the other hand, have always been universally portrayed as passive characters requiring rescue. This formula has persisted for way, way too long. Contemporary readers, myself included, are ripe for the deliberate subversion of these long-standing norms. Female protagonists are ready to take on the role of rescuing men, and I'm not just talking about them finding their “inner” good selves. I'm talking about whipping out the sword, swooping in, and saving the man-sel locked up in the tower. She's the one saving him from danger, leaping into a role reversal that stops stereotypical views of masculinity and femininity.

Examples of the Man-sel in Distress:

There are examples in literature of fantastic strong female warriors that are the exception. One powerful example comes from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker with a terrible past, plays the quintessential "man-saver." While Mikael Blomkvist, the male protagonist, is involved in investigating a high-profile case, it is Salander who ultimately saves him from grave danger. Not only does she protect him physically when he’s targeted violently, but she is intellectually superior, using her skills and resources to outsmart and defeat those who threaten them both. Salander’s strength, independence, and intelligence turn the traditional dynamic on its head, making her the true hero.

Another example can be found in The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. While the story is well-known for its portrayal of the chilling relationship between FBI agent Clarice Starling and the infamous Hannibal Lecter, it also presents a striking role reversal. In the novel, Starling is tasked with interviewing Lecter to get into the head of a serial killer. Starling not only confronts Lecter in a psychological battle of wits but also finds herself physically intervening to save the life of Jack Crawford, who is at risk of being killed. Through her resourcefulness and courage, she becomes the sole protector, defying traditional gender expectations.

Rewriting Heroism and Strength:

The idea of the man-sel in distress in adult fiction contributes to broader cultural conversations about the fluidity of gender roles. By presenting women as the primary saviors of men, these novels push back against the confines of traditional heroism and allow for more diverse representations of strength. The rescuer is no longer limited to a specific gender; both men and women can be both vulnerable and heroic.

Now go out there, pick up your greatest weapon—the pen—and start writing about the little man-sel who couldn't.