The genre explores resilience through Harry's defiance. He might start to resist the Dursleys' unfair treatment more and more as the story progresses. This could be in small ways like not doing extra chores without a fight or in bigger ways like standing up to them when they try to stop him from going to Hogwarts. His growth from a victim to someone who can fight back is a key part of the resilience theme.
Many 'Harry abused by Dursleys' fanfictions show Harry's resilience by how he uses his experiences to become a better person. He might learn empathy from his own suffering and be more understanding towards others who are in difficult situations. This transformation from a bullied and abused child to a more empathetic and strong individual is a great exploration of the theme of resilience in this genre.
These fanfics show Harry's character development in relation to his relationships as well. After the abuse, he may struggle to trust others, but as he meets new friends in the wizarding world, he slowly learns to open up. His experiences with the Dursleys also make him more determined to fight against injustice, whether it's within the wizarding world or in his own personal life. The abuse becomes a catalyst for his growth, both as a wizard and as a person with strong moral values.
Well, in fanfic, the Dursleys' abuse of Harry can be shown in different ways. They might isolate him from the outside world. For instance, not allowing him to have friends or participate in normal neighborhood activities. They could also starve him, giving him very little food while Dudley gets plenty. This kind of treatment is often explored in detail in fanfiction to show how harsh Harry's life is with the Dursleys.
In this type of fanfiction, Harry's character development often starts with his initial vulnerability. He is a victim of the Dursleys' abuse, which makes him timid and withdrawn. But as the story progresses, he begins to fight back, either in small ways like defying their rules or in bigger ways by using his magic. This shows his growth from a meek boy to a more assertive one.
In some Romamxe fanfictions, the Dursleys might abuse Harry by constantly belittling him. They could give him the worst chores, like cleaning the entire house alone while Dudley does nothing. They may also limit his food, leaving him hungry most of the time.
The fanfiction delves deep into Harry's emotional state. Harry's experience of abuse at the hands of the Dursleys is a central theme. He has to deal with a lot of negative emotions. Fear is a big part of it, as he never knows when the next act of abuse will come. He also feels a great deal of sadness for not having a normal family. However, as he gets older in the fanfiction, he begins to transform these negative emotions into a motivation to break free from the Dursleys' hold and become his own person.
It might show the constant power struggle between them. Harry, as a wizard, has an inner strength that the Dursleys try to suppress with their mundane and cruel ways. So it's a battle of wills.
He could become very withdrawn. Since the Dursleys are constantly abusing him, Harry might start to avoid people and isolate himself even more. He may lose his self - confidence and feel that he is not worthy of love or respect.
The abuse by the Dursleys in these fanfictions is a major factor in Harry's character development. It initially makes him angry and withdrawn. However, as he grows, this anger becomes a fuel for his courage. He becomes more empathetic towards others who have suffered because of his own experiences. Also, his time with the Dursleys makes him value the friendships he forms at Hogwarts even more, as they are a contrast to the loveless environment at the Dursleys'. Overall, the abuse shapes him into a complex and strong - willed character.
I don't think it's a good idea. Norman Bates has his own complex and dark backstory already. Adding abuse to fanfiction about him just amplifies the negative and potentially harmful aspects. Fanfiction should generally aim to be a creative and somewhat positive exploration of characters, not delve deeper into disturbing abuse scenarios.
One possible theme could be redemption. If there is a gay romance involved, perhaps the love interest helps Harry find a way to heal from the abuse by the Dursleys. Another theme might be acceptance, both of his own identity and of his past trauma.