Head Canons And Lister's Sexuality

[janamelie.livejournal.com]

We all have them, but some are more deeply entrenched than others.  The recent plethora of BDSM fic (thank you, Kronette and Felineranger) made me realise that I have problems imagining Lister as a natural, dyed in the wool submissive, which *spoiler* is a major aspect of "Lessons In Heroics", even though it's an alternate version of him.

(Kronette, this is not a criticism of your fic in any way.  You can write whatever the hell you like and I'm finding the story riveting regardless.) :)

Those who are following this story will know that, on the list of disquieting aspects, an alternate version of Lister being an enthusiastic sub is so far down it shouldn't even register, but somehow it does for me.  I think it's because his usual character is so anti rules and regulations that it's hard to imagine BDSM being a fundamental part of his sexuality.  Which isn't to say I can't see him enjoying it (as in "FSOS") but enjoying and needing are different.

I apologise in advance if my ramblings offend anyone.  I don't mean to imply that there's anything wrong with being a natural sub or Dom, just that it's not how I interpret his character.  I can imagine either of Rimmer though.

Does anyone else have head canons which you thought were casual until you read a fic which contradicted them?

Comments

[lordvalerymimes.livejournal.com]

I can't think of them calling one another anything but Lister and Rimmer. Maybe it's unrealistic especially since I know Rimmer doesn't like his last name, but I just can't HEAR them any other way. My fanwank explanation for my own fics is that Rimmer loves Lister so much that he actually starts to LIKE how his name sounds when it comes from Lister's lips. :D

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

No, I do that too. It's not unrealistic at all; it's what they call one another, it's their names for one another. Names are important, and interesting (to me, certainly, as I'm sure is overtly evident by now :p). Lister calling Rimmer "Rimmer" is different from other people calling him that. That's even lampshaded in canon; "Rimmer, to rhyme with scum." And I suppose, to Rimmer, reclaiming something that was forced upon him - his name - might be a good thing. I personally don't think Rimmer minds either way what people call him, TBH. So long as it's actually his name. ;)