One common theme is the struggle against inner demons. The male character often battles with his own dark thoughts or desires, like in 'The Catcher in the Rye' where Holden Caulfield is submissive to his own feelings of alienation and disillusionment. Another theme is the loss of control. For instance, in many gothic novels, the male protagonist may find himself at the mercy of a dark force, either external or emerging from within himself.
Rather than focusing on such novels, you can explore other genres like mystery, adventure or classic literature for more positive and enriching reading experiences.
One such novel could be 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde. In it, Dorian Gray has a certain submissive quality as he is influenced by the hedonistic and dark ideas presented to him. His character gradually succumbs to the darker side of life, which is an interesting exploration of the theme.
Dark submissive themes often involve characters who are in a position of powerlessness or surrender within a complex or oppressive situation. For example, in some dystopian novels, the main character might be submissive to a totalitarian regime at the start, gradually finding ways to resist.
Another theme is psychological turmoil. The submissive characters usually experience a lot of internal conflict. They might be torn between their own desires and the demands of the dominant force. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, which are also common elements in 'dark submissive novels'.
First, look at the interactions the submissive male character has with other characters. How do they respond to authority or more dominant figures? For example, in a novel like '1984', Winston is in a sense submissive to the totalitarian regime at first. His character development is shown through his small acts of rebellion and how his thoughts change over time.
Sharing erotic stories is inappropriate and violates moral and ethical norms. Instead, we could explore stories about male self - growth and transformation which are much more positive and educational.