How do you define &quot;Harem&quot;?

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Jul 2023

7659

Reply to Luchipher-Zen

Well the meaning of the word at its origins and the one assigned to it as a genre are vastly different... As for how I define the 'harem' genre, it'd be a plot setting where more than two characters are actively romantically engaged with the main character (where active romantic engagement means that the characters are obviously contending for a romantic relationship with the MC).. so I'd not consider Domestic Girlfriend as a harem anime..

@Luchipher-Zen

Luchipher-Zen said:
it'd be a plot setting where more than two characters are actively romantically engaged with the main character

in this logic every love polygon is harem, isn't it? 'cuz also in there (polygon), more than 1 or 2 person is interested or actively in a romantic relation with the protagonist.

Luchipher-Zen said:
so I'd not consider Domestic Girlfriend as a harem anime..

Again, in Domestic Girlfriend, two sisters and his classmate was interested in the protagonist romantically. so, it's kinda unfitting....

𝒩𝑒𝑜-𝒱𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓏𝒾𝒶 𝒾𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒~ 𝐼𝓉’𝓈 𝒶 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊

Jul 31, 2024 2:41 AM

#11

logopolis

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Apr 2012

3567

Protagonist has one love interest - romance
Protagonist has two love interests - love triangle
Protagonist has three or more love interests - harem
(Love polygon is where love interests are all over the place rather than all centred on a single protagonist.)

Jul 31, 2024 2:41 AM

#12

Jebidor

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Apr 2024

416

depend on the type of harem.
het/straight or reverse harem are literally masturbate genre.

Jul 31, 2024 2:47 AM

#13

Luchipher-Zen

Demon of Desire

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May 2023

376

Reply to nirererin

@Luchipher-Zen

Luchipher-Zen said:
it'd be a plot setting where more than two characters are actively romantically engaged with the main character

in this logic every love polygon is harem, isn't it? 'cuz also in there (polygon), more than 1 or 2 person is interested or actively in a romantic relation with the protagonist.

Luchipher-Zen said:
so I'd not consider Domestic Girlfriend as a harem anime..

Again, in Domestic Girlfriend, two sisters and his classmate was interested in the protagonist romantically. so, it's kinda unfitting....

@nirererin Themes for an anime are not unary... an anime can be love polygon and harem at the same time.. so where the difference resides?.. its in the definition.. in love polygon romantic contenders can be two or more, i.e. it is a love polygon theme even with just two characters going after MC.. and the definition I gave you for harem was that it should be more than two, not just two... basically all harem anime can be considered love polygon themed, but that ain't true vice-versa.. Again this too can be contended if we debate how many "vertices" generally define the polygon..

Also, I see "interested" and actively vying for romantic affection as two different approaches, and non synonymous.. In Domestic Girlfriend, active romantic pursuit was by the two sisters only.. atleast that's the way I see it.. compare that to some major harem titles.. say High School DxD or Quintessential Quintuplets.. there more than two characters have been in active pursuit of romantic relationship with the same MC (even though they are two different breed of harem anime when taking the ending into account)..

Then there are also titles where the lines are diluted, such as Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai where there is visible romantic interest but no pursuit, still they have been labelled as harem in MAL (but the characters are >2).. so I think MAL's definition clearly dun match mine.. but under both definition something like Domestic Girlfriend ain't a harem anime.. same is true for another similar anime : Kimi ga Nozomu Eien..

Jul 31, 2024 3:49 AM

#14

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Jul 2023

7659

Luchipher-Zen said:

@nirererin Themes for an anime are not unary... an anime can be love polygon and harem at the same time.. so where the difference resides?.. its in the definition.. in love polygon romantic contenders can be two or more, i.e. it is a love polygon theme even with just two characters going after MC.. and the definition I gave you for harem was that it should be more than two, not just two... basically all harem anime can be considered love polygon themed, but that ain't true vice-versa.. Again this too can be contended if we debate how many "vertices" generally define the polygon..

Also, I see "interested" and actively vying for romantic affection as two different approaches, and non synonymous.. In Domestic Girlfriend, active romantic pursuit was by the two sisters only.. atleast that's the way I see it.. compare that to some major harem titles.. say High School DxD or Quintessential Quintuplets.. there more than two characters have been in active pursuit of romantic relationship with the same MC (even though they are two different breed of harem anime when taking the ending into account)..

Then there are also titles where the lines are diluted, such as Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai where there is visible romantic interest but no pursuit, still they have been labelled as harem in MAL (but the characters are >2).. so I think MAL's definition clearly dun match mine.. but under both definition something like Domestic Girlfriend ain't a harem anime.. same is true for another similar anime : Kimi ga Nozomu Eien..

Well, it's logical. there's nothing I can say more. harem and love polygon can come together on a same anime theme, that is justified. but it's undeniable that harem and love polygon is so close with each other and sometimes it's conflict with each and other concept or definition. Like you say 2 persons (interested in mc)= Love polygon and 2+ persons (interested in mc) = Harem. So, it’s easy to say for you number the variable to determine which is harem and which is love polygon, right? anyway keep it aside, it's not topic we talking here, let's come to main topic.

DomGirl isn't a harem. As you 2+ person if interested in mc then it's harem. example- QQ, it's a define harem 'cuz number, setting everything is tiptop for a harem anime or manga, whatever you like. here's no doubt. but for a moment if I forget about your number logic or setting and come to ending- QQ's mc have 5 options, but he choose only one girl, because it's realistic (I'm not saying QQ isn't harem). Now if I come to Domestic girlfriend, in the ending of manga, he choose both. So, if I think as real life, it's a straight up polygamy which is harem. So, now how can Domestic girlfriend isn't harem?

Everyone has there own perspective to describe anything so, it not unbelievable if your opinion don't match with everyone. No offence.

𝒩𝑒𝑜-𝒱𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓏𝒾𝒶 𝒾𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒~ 𝐼𝓉’𝓈 𝒶 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊

Jul 31, 2024 4:06 AM

#15

Halqifibrax

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Nov 2020

1074

Harem is anime genre if 3 or more female character have romantic feeling to a male character at the same time.

What Does Pot of Greed do?

Jul 31, 2024 4:09 AM

#16

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Jul 2023

7659

tchitchouan said:
Harem is one boy and very many multiple girls who seek his attention and affection.

simple but relatively accurate enough.

𝒩𝑒𝑜-𝒱𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓏𝒾𝒶 𝒾𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒~ 𝐼𝓉’𝓈 𝒶 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊

Jul 31, 2024 4:13 AM

#17

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Jul 2023

7659

DX_impulse said:
depend on the type of harem.
het/straight or reverse harem are literally masturbate genre.

no kidding like kimi no ga dai dai dai dai dai dai tshuki 100- nin no kanojo. u r not pulling ur punches 😂

𝒩𝑒𝑜-𝒱𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓏𝒾𝒶 𝒾𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒~ 𝐼𝓉’𝓈 𝒶 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊

Jul 31, 2024 4:13 AM

#18

Zarutaku

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Sep 2016

21727

Harem is a relationship where a male has more than 1 lover at a time and everyone agrees with it.
Reverse Harem is a relationship where a female has more than 1 lover at a time and everyone agrees with it.
Unfortunately most of the so-called harem anime are either pseudo-harems or love polygons.

No, this isn't my signature.

Jul 31, 2024 4:22 AM

#19

Luchipher-Zen

Demon of Desire

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May 2023

376

Reply to nirererin

Luchipher-Zen said:

@nirererin Themes for an anime are not unary... an anime can be love polygon and harem at the same time.. so where the difference resides?.. its in the definition.. in love polygon romantic contenders can be two or more, i.e. it is a love polygon theme even with just two characters going after MC.. and the definition I gave you for harem was that it should be more than two, not just two... basically all harem anime can be considered love polygon themed, but that ain't true vice-versa.. Again this too can be contended if we debate how many "vertices" generally define the polygon..

Also, I see "interested" and actively vying for romantic affection as two different approaches, and non synonymous.. In Domestic Girlfriend, active romantic pursuit was by the two sisters only.. atleast that's the way I see it.. compare that to some major harem titles.. say High School DxD or Quintessential Quintuplets.. there more than two characters have been in active pursuit of romantic relationship with the same MC (even though they are two different breed of harem anime when taking the ending into account)..

Then there are also titles where the lines are diluted, such as Bokutachi wa Benkyou ga Dekinai where there is visible romantic interest but no pursuit, still they have been labelled as harem in MAL (but the characters are >2).. so I think MAL's definition clearly dun match mine.. but under both definition something like Domestic Girlfriend ain't a harem anime.. same is true for another similar anime : Kimi ga Nozomu Eien..

Well, it's logical. there's nothing I can say more. harem and love polygon can come together on a same anime theme, that is justified. but it's undeniable that harem and love polygon is so close with each other and sometimes it's conflict with each and other concept or definition. Like you say 2 persons (interested in mc)= Love polygon and 2+ persons (interested in mc) = Harem. So, it’s easy to say for you number the variable to determine which is harem and which is love polygon, right? anyway keep it aside, it's not topic we talking here, let's come to main topic.

DomGirl isn't a harem. As you 2+ person if interested in mc then it's harem. example- QQ, it's a define harem 'cuz number, setting everything is tiptop for a harem anime or manga, whatever you like. here's no doubt. but for a moment if I forget about your number logic or setting and come to ending- QQ's mc have 5 options, but he choose only one girl, because it's realistic (I'm not saying QQ isn't harem). Now if I come to Domestic girlfriend, in the ending of manga, he choose both. So, if I think as real life, it's a straight up polygamy which is harem. So, now how can Domestic girlfriend isn't harem?

Everyone has there own perspective to describe anything so, it not unbelievable if your opinion don't match with everyone. No offence.

@nirererin As I said, something like High School DxD or the large harem titles are a different type of harem than a title like Quintessential Quintuplets or say Temple or Megami Cafe no Terrace.. themes are assigned based on it's prevalence throughout the series and not just the ending... if that were not the case, Quintessential Quintuplets won't have been a harem where the MC finally has to choose one out of all his romantic partners (I think the case is similar with Temple and Megami Cafe no Terrace)...

Love Polygon is a morphed theme.. it has been derived from Love Triangle, to also include some titles where there are more vertices than just 3 including the MC (and due to some weird unknown reason harem was not suitable tag).. if you ask me it's on a title by title basis it's all ambiguous as the definition can change depending on the title in question..

So as to why Domestic Girlfriend cannot be a harem anime, it's because the prevalent theme throughout the anime has been a love triangle... a polygamous end won't change that (and for MAL a show can't be both harem and love polygon)... And it won't be easy to open discussion with comparisons to real life, as in real life harem had a greater meaning than what mostly is ascertained as number of women in a relationship with a man.. a harem was a section of the palace populace that included not only official wives, but mistresses and concubines, eunuchs, slaves etc..

And no offense taken.. you simply asked for a definition.. and I am giving that and it's explanation.. it doesn't have to be acceptable by all, unless it is a universal truth (which matters of themes of anime are not).. I mean there are grey line and exceptions filled with the whole tags crap in MAL database..

Luchipher-ZenJul 31, 2024 4:38 AM

Jul 31, 2024 4:23 AM

#20

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Jul 2023

7659

Zarutaku said:
Harem is a relationship where a male has more than 1 lover at a time and everyone agrees with it.
Reverse Harem is a relationship where a female has more than 1 lover at a time and everyone agrees with it.
Unfortunately most of the so-called harem anime are either pseudo-harems or love polygons.

that's the point. in most of the recent harem, they started with more than 1 love interest, but in the end, to give a so-called satisfying ending, mc choose only one for being morally realistic where there is no realism to being with. if so then QQ is a pseudo-harem or one kind of love polygon.

𝒩𝑒𝑜-𝒱𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓏𝒾𝒶 𝒾𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒~ 𝐼𝓉’𝓈 𝒶 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊

Jul 31, 2024 4:24 AM

#21

UberBat

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Jan 2008

3494

I consider a harem where one male has at least 3 female companions (and no male ones) whether there is romance or not is secondary for me. Though most usually have at least one girl being dumb in love.

So all polyamorous is harem but not all harem is polyamorous

Jul 31, 2024 5:06 AM

#22

Jebidor

Offline

Apr 2024

416

Reply to nirererin

DX_impulse said:
depend on the type of harem.
het/straight or reverse harem are literally masturbate genre.

no kidding like kimi no ga dai dai dai dai dai dai tshuki 100- nin no kanojo. u r not pulling ur punches 😂

@nirererin
meh!
I never even watched that!

Jul 31, 2024 5:13 AM

#23

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Jul 2023

7659

that reaction lol................

𝒩𝑒𝑜-𝒱𝑒𝓃𝑒𝓏𝒾𝒶 𝒾𝓈𝓃’𝓉 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒~ 𝐼𝓉’𝓈 𝒶 𝒻𝑒𝑒𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊