#But I am serious that Mel is a great example of masculine traits that aren't toxic

[violetlunette]

Right here is one of the best examples of non-toxic masculinity; The future Duke of Pordebrat from “Beware the Villainess” by Bbongdda Mask, Berry, Pureunkanna. (According to the wiki)

Despite this being made by a South Korean (I think), I’m going to use the western traits of masculinity for examples as the Duke here embodies all of them. Said traits are; strength, courage, independence, leadership, and assertiveness.

Strength: Mel is a figure who is strong, but only uses said strength to protect others. True, Mel will often engage in violence and use it to dominate others but never on those weaker and only as a last resort. Even then Mel only uses as much that’s needed for the situation and only when others are at risk.

The future Duke is aware of how much strength is in his possession and uses it mainly for protection, never to show off. (Okay, once in a while, but it's always playful.)

This is played in comparison to the men of the tale who use their strength to dominate, stalk, and bully others. (Mostly women.)

Courage: Is there anyone braver than the duke? I think not! After all, would a coward rush into a werewolf’s territory to save a friend (that they’re NOT romantically or sexually attracted to)? I think not! And yes, it’s actual courage as the future Duke is well aware of the danger and risks and tries to minimize both to keep the rest of the rescue party safe. This is in direct comparison to another character named Jack Forton, as his “courage” is recklessly rushing forward placing himself and others at risk. Sadly, these reckless actions pushed our wonderful duke too far, leading to poor Jack’s demise.

However, courage isn’t just being brave enough to go into danger, it’s standing up for what’s right despite the odds. Mel isn’t a Duke at the start and has very little power outside of physical strength (most of which comes from a magic sword). When it comes to politics Mel not only has no political power outside of a neglectful father but also a bad reputation. Yet when demons attack Mel goes to a place where only humiliation awaits just to warn them and try to get help to stop a demon attack. Considering that everyone is terrified of public speaking, this alone is an act of true bravery.

Independence: Mel is one of the few people to be able to work fine with others while keeping an independent nature. Mel isn’t someone being someone else for love or approval nor is Mel a person that feels the need to change for others.

 How many times have we seen two people in love completely dependent on one another to the point where they’re barely a person? Well, even though Mel is very much in love with a gorgeous beauty, Mel is very much Mel and can stand the two feet that support the might Mel easily.

Leadership: I mean, Mel does become a duke, isn’t that proof enough? No, of course not. Mel’s proper use of strength and courage earns the admiration of others and their trust as they know full well the Duke will protect and care for them no matter what. And again, Mel is smart; never will you see our proud duke go through with a plan that will lead to anyone being unnecessarily harmed.

Assertiveness: Okay, so this is a trait that can quite easily turn toxic and has, so much so that it can be near impossible to imagine that this could be positive. However, imagine being pushed into a corner, or forced to do something you don’t want to do? Or having someone force their affections on you despite the fact you made it clear you weren’t interested. What do you do? Assert your rights. If something is unfair, stand your ground. Tell them, “Hey, you can’t make me do this, I’m a person.” Or, “I’m not obligated to love you because of your pitiable back story.”

See, it’s awful to assert yourself or will on others, however, asserting your rights is fine. And that is what our wonderful Mel does. Mel will assert their rights, nothing more.

Oh, and Mel is a woman who embodies all these traits. (Avery cute woman at that.)

Aka, THIS is how you write a strong woman with masculine traits, Hollywood.