Analyzing foid fantasies and the men they worship
While this obviously does not reflect the men commonly found in relationships (IQ required) due to such chads being like one in ten thousand, it highlights the traits foids are deeply attracted to in a primal way. This is the very essence of what foids desire and we can learn from that. Let's look at these men from foid romance novels.1. The Brooding Alpha (Mr. Darcy Type)
Visuals:Tall, imposing figure
Dark hair, usually tousled or deliberately unruly
Piercing eyes (often gray, green, or icy blue)
Square jaw, classic “strong, silent” look
Dresses sharply (tailored suits, dark coats, cravats if historical)
Why it works: Suggests control, mystery, and restrained passion.
Popular Examples:
Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice – “handsome, tall, noble mien.”
Christian Grey (Fifty Shades of Grey) – intimidating presence, “intense gray eyes.”
Rhysand (A Court of Thorns and Roses) – “lord of night,” violet eyes, impossibly beautiful.
2. The Cinnamon Roll (Sweet & Supportive)
Visuals:Warm smile, open expression
Sometimes glasses or “nerdy-cute” style
Lean or average build; less about brawn, more about comfort
Soft hair (curly or floppy is common)
Often casually dressed or a little disheveled
Why it works: His looks reflect approachability and warmth.
Popular Examples:
Josh in The Hating Game – tall and serious, but melts for the heroine.
Gus in Beach Read – wears black, looks intense, but is a sensitive writer.
Sam in The Wall of Winnipeg and Me – quiet and stoic, but gentle and respectful.
3. The Reformed Rake / Bad Boy
Visuals:Smoldering, cocky smile
Tattoos or scars often included
Lean, muscular build (the kind that doesn’t look like he tries)
Messy hair, dark or sandy blonde
Leather jackets or rolled-up sleeves, unbuttoned shirts
Why it works: He’s danger you want to tame.
Popular Examples:
Derek Craven in Dreaming of You – a street-born gambler turned club owner, sexy and rough-edged.
Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows) – “sharp-featured,” gloved hands, dangerous but strategic.
Rhett Butler (Gone With the Wind) – cynical grin, mustache, morally flexible charm.
4. The Grumpy Hero (Paired with Sunshine)
Visuals:Perpetual scowl or deadpan stare
Usually tall and broad, a “wall” of a man
Stubble or beard, dark eyebrows
Often very handsome but not flashy
Dresses plainly, sometimes hyper-neat or just gruff
Why it works: Cold on the outside, melting on the inside.
Popular Examples:
Henry in Book Lovers – serious editor, square-jawed, emotionally repressed.
Caleb in Part of Your World – huge, gruff country man, calls the heroine “city girl.”
Rowan Whitethorn (Throne of Glass) – harsh, warrior king with golden skin and silver hair.
5. The Tortured Hero
Visuals:Deep-set eyes, often shadowed or tired
Scars (physical or emotional), lean with a “lived-in” look
Often pale or weathered skin depending on setting
Strong nose, prominent cheekbones—gives him an edge
Frequently seen in black or muted colors
Why it works: Beauty wrapped in pain—like romantic catnip.
Popular Examples:
Zsadist (Black Dagger Brotherhood) – scarred vampire warrior, terrifying and tragic.
Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent (Devil in Winter) – rakish aristocrat with a broken soul.
Matthew Clairmont (A Discovery of Witches) – vampire, brooding scientist, centuries of loss in his eyes.
6. The Secret Softie (Surprising Depth)
Visuals:Often big and rugged-looking (think lumberjack, ex-soldier)
Beard or longish hair, looks intimidating at first glance
Wears flannel, hoodies, boots—comfortable but sexy
Puppy-dog eyes when caught off-guard
Hands calloused but gentle
Why it works: Juxtaposition—the outer brute hides a heart of gold.
Popular Examples:
Brendan in It Happened One Summer – grumpy sea captain with a hidden tender core.
Levi in Love on the Brain – STEM guy, tall and intimidating, but a romantic sap inside.
Gabe in The Friend Zone – looks like a tough biker, is actually the sweetest human alive.
My final thinking points
1. Are women even really attracted to normies (or sub chads)?2. Does this allow for nichemaxxing and jestermaxxing (partially)?
3. Does this prove the sub 8 theory?
