Tips for Writing a Deaf / Hard-of-Hearing Character in Fiction

 A Deaf character is not defined by their deafness - they are also a person with dreams and flaws beyond silence. Creating authentic Deaf and hard-of-hearing characters is crucial to help build understanding and inclusion - as well as representation - for the Deaf community. Crafting these kinds of characters really requires awareness of the unique experiences and perspectives. It is always best to have a Deaf Sensitivity Reader to make sure that your representation is accurate.

But below, I've listed some challenges and considerations to consider when writing Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing characters for authors, as well as some example scenes with Deaf characters.

Understanding Deaf Culture

To write authentic Deaf characters, one aspect to understand is Deaf Culture.

Deaf Culture goes beyond the ability to hear. It is about shared experiences, language, and history. It is vibrant and diverse.

So how can you, a hearing author, understand Deaf Culture? In all honesty, you really can't. However, to get a glimpse of the culture, you need to connect with the Deaf community. Attend Deaf events, talk with Deaf people. Start learning about sign language - which depends on your country.

For example, in America, we have American Sign Language (ASL) as well as Indigenous Sign Language (ISL) and Black American Sign Language (BASL). Of course, not all can use each language as it is very culture specific. And in England and the U.K., you have British Sign Language. These languages have their own grammar and syntax - they are distinct from English. Adding a sign language to your story helps build the character's authenticity.

Scene

Alex attends a film festival featuring a Deaf film that had an all Deaf cast and crew. They bond with other attendees over their shared language and the rich history of Deaf culture in the film and are excited to showcase the Deaf Community to the hearing viewers. 

Challenges of Misrepresentation

One significant issue in writing Deaf characters is misrepresentation. Some authors use Deaf characters as obstacles for hearing individuals or include the character to have a "token" disability in their stories. Deaf characters deserve to be more than obstacles or 'tokens' in your story.

This means oftentimes, they use common misconceptions or beliefs about how Deaf people act, speak, sign, etc. For example, a character who is deaf and has hearing aids can suddenly "hear" driving in the car in the middle of a thunderstorm on the phone. (No, not at all). Or can clearly understand a hearing character because they know how to "lip-read". When a person lip-reads, they really only get between 15-30% of what the speaker says and then uses context to fill in the blanks. Additionally, depending on if they have facial hair, a lisp, etc., that can change the amount fully understood.

To combat misrepresentation, create these characters as you would a hearing character - with depth. Show their hobbies, relationships, or dreams. For example, you have a character that is passionate about painting. Include a successful art career for them that also includes their experiences as a Deaf individual. This provides context and complexity, making the character more relatable and engaging.

Scene

In a romance novel, the male protagonist Tyler is not defined by his hearing loss. Instead, he works in tech and enjoys hiking. The story doesn’t center on his Deafness but rather on his relationship and his personal struggles, passions, and triumphs.

Communication Methods

Communication methods vary widely among Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Some use sign language; others do not. Some Deaf individuals lip-read, others don't (it's hard!). Some are verbal, others are not. Some grew up in the Deaf community. Others never knew about it. Some have a hearing device (hearing aids, cochlear implant, BAHA, etc.), others don't and are proud about it. Clearly defining a character's preferred communication method is essential.

Additionally, how they communicate can highlight their interactions. For instance, a character who recently became hard of hearing might struggle with adapting to lip-reading or using their hearing aids. This would create emotional conflict and growth throughout the narrative. And, this can resonate deeply with readers who have experienced similar challenges.

Scene

Lena uses American Sign Language (ASL)  and has no hearing device. Her friend, Sam, prefers to lip-read and uses hearing aids. Sam has just started learning ASL. Sam and Lena struggle to communicate in a noisy cafe, demonstrating the nuances of their different methods and the impact of their choices.

The Role of Hearing Characters

An easy conflict in a story would be the relationship between a Deaf and hearing character. There would be miscommunication due to language barriers, the differences in how the experience the world, and more. However, don't turn your Deaf character into a ‘problem’ for the hearing character to solve.

For example, if the hearing character is presented as a savior, this could have a negative impact on your story. In my WIP (Water's Grasp), the mother defends her belief that she is "saving" her daughter because she's deaf and needs help. Her daughter quickly corrects her, stating that she doesn't need to be saved, she just doesn't hear. The trope of a "hearing savior" is patronizing and reinforces negative stereotypes. If you want to have that conflict, be very careful that you don't imply that you, as the author, believe that Deaf people need to be "healed".

The best way would be to show that Deaf characters are capable and independent. For example, have a scene in which a Deaf character notices something that the hearing detective missed.

Scene

In a mystery novel, Emma is a Deaf detective working alongside a hearing colleague, Jordan. Instead of portraying Jordan as a ‘savior’ and helps her with the job, they are teammates who collaborate, with Emma’s Deaf perspective often offering crucial insights. They each bring unique strengths to the investigation, showing mutual respect and equality.

One last note - and this is really just my opinion - if you are writing a romance between a Deaf and hearing character, don't use the miscommunication trope as the main conflict. There will always be a difference in understanding the culture, the language between a hearing and Deaf character, but don't make that the main source of conflict for a third-act breakup. It feels patronizing and that you couldn't find another conflict.

Research and Authenticity

Use Deaf Sensitivity Readers. I am one. I have a page about the importance of Deaf sensitivity readers - click HERE to read and I recommend this Salon article and this Walrus article for more details about Sensitivity Readers.

But overall, why is it important to have a Deaf Sensitivity Reader? There are many misconceptions about Deaf culture, life, and experience in the media. Having accurate details about the character's daily life and challenges can help make them relatable. It is important to note that not every Deaf person has the same experience as it varies on circumstances but a Deaf Sensitivity Reader will provide critical feedback to ensure authenticity.

Scene

Before publishing their latest novel, an author reaches out to a Deaf Sensitivity Reader to review their portrayal of a Deaf character. The sensitivity reader points out subtle cultural nuances and corrects an inaccurate portrayal of sign language, ensuring that the final version reflects a true experience of the Deaf community.

Avoiding Clichés

This ties into the authenticity - avoid clichés like "the inspirational Deaf person" or the "tragic Deaf character". This is an oversimplification. Let your Deaf characters be defined by their passions, not their deafness or “disability.”

Instead, have genuine character development. Allow the Deaf character to grow based on their passions and goals (show their struggles too), not based on Deafness.

Scene

In a contemporary drama, Trey is a Deaf professional skateboarder who faces prejudice in the sport due to misconceptions about his abilities. His journey focuses on his dedication to skateboarding and his relationships, not on overcoming his Deafness as a ‘tragedy.’

Intersectionality

Deafness is a unique experience regardless of other identities, including race, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status but intertwining them with other identities creates a rich and complex character constructions. A deaf person who is white will not have the same experience as a deaf person who is a person of color. In America, there is even a different language for a POC (black) character - BASL (Black American Sign Language). While a POC can use that language, a white deaf character cannot as it is not their culture or language. Showing the connections and differences can also broaden your audience understanding of the different experiences.

Scene

Lia, a Deaf Latina woman, navigates challenges that stem from both her Deafness and her cultural background. She deals with miscommunication in both Spanish and American Sign Language, but she has rich cultural traditions and strong support from her family. Her story reflects both her Deaf experience and her ethnic identity.

Portraying Deaf Characters in Different Genres

I briefly touched on this before, but how a Deaf or hard-of-hearing character is portrayed will vary - especially across genres. Understanding how genre influences character development will lead to more engaging stories. How your character acts in a romance book may not be the focus in a mystery book. Make sure to tailor it to fit the world you’re creating.

Scene

In a sci-fi story, Zane uses a futuristic hearing device to communicate with an intergalactic crew. He also has contacts that have auto-captions. In a contemporary fiction, Emily’s Deafness is simply a part of who she is, as she navigates love and personal growth.

Incorporating Visual Elements

Use strong imagery to express Deaf experiences. Emphasizing visual cues will immerse the readers and reflect the character's world. Let the world of your Deaf character come alive through visuals elements—signs, expressions, body language... and your descriptive language.

Using the visual elements will help enhance emotional engagement and let readers connect with a character's experience on a deeper level.

Scene

In a suspenseful scene, Quinn, notices a shift in the room when the lights flicker. The detail is not just a plot point—it reflects her heightened awareness of visual cues, and her quick thinking in interpreting these signals becomes key to solving the mystery.

Authentic Character Crafting

Writing any character can be complex but rewarding. Writing Deaf and hard-of-hearing characters isn't any easier - it might be harder to make sure that you have an authentic character - especially if you aren't involved in their community. It's definitely not a simple "they're deaf!" and done.

The goal is to create rich, multidimensional characters who lives are filled with their diverse experiences and emotions. Not only will creating these characters help enhance your stories and resonate with all readers, but also it will help create better understanding of the diverse narratives within the Deaf community.

Scene

Julie loves photography and is determined to become a professional photographer. She faces challenges when her hearing peers don’t understand how her Deafness affects her, but she never lets it stop her pursuit of her dreams. Julie is depicted as talented, ambitious, and complex—far beyond a typical 'deaf character' stereotype.

Final Notes

I'm happy to answer any questions you have about creating a Deaf and hard-of-hearing character! Let me know your thoughts, suggestions, and if you have any characters already created - the books - so that I can add them to the Books with D/HH Characters List.

And one last scene for an authentic character...

Scene

In a historical fiction novel, Juliet is Deaf and living in the 1800s. She is an artist who finds new ways to communicate through her paintings. She struggles with societal expectations and the story shows her personal growth and emotional depth beyond her Deafness.

Happy Reading... and Writing!