@docloudscomeinpurple asked:

2 questions: Is it still tokenism if the sole Muslim character is the protagonist? I know I definitely want my main character to be Muslim, but should I make another character Muslim to avoid making him a token? ALSO the story centers around the main character being kidnapped, and while he would be presumably scared shitless like anyone else, I was wondering how you think his faith might color his reaction to that situation?

Hello,

Short answer: no. Tokenism is defined as only a perfunctory effort to be inclusive, whereas having the Muslim character be the protag involves a lot more effort and fleshing out of the character. Mod Colette’s advice on avoiding token characters in a story with very few characters is to humanize a character even within a brief mention, like, “If only my sister were here. She always knew how to calm me down.”

Regarding the second part of your question, regardless of type of faith, most believers find comfort and solace in their beliefs and turn towards prayer during difficult times. 

-Mod Yasmin