Writing a (temporarily) disabled MC without being offensive?
Essentially, the character got into a sailing accident when he was 12 which led to him crushing his hand. The story is set when he is around 17, and in the final stages of rehabilitation. Previously, he was a violin prodigy, but of course, with his hand all broken, he had to stop.
I didn't really think too much of it for a while since the main premise of the story doesn't really rely on his injury or anything, moreso his dreams, growing up, friendships with someone, and actual dream stuff since it's magic realism, but then after writing some stuff about his classmates sort of behaviors to him (just remembering him as the "guy with a broken hand" and, since he's already pretty reserved, avoiding him) I realised that I could come across as offensive if dealt with weirdly. I mean, the thing is, I didn't necessarily register him as disabled since it wasn't a permanent disability, and he is going to be able to continue violin again, but idk.
I already planned to do research on everything, but I just wanted to ask if there are some other steps I should take in case I do come across as offensive.
Posted Jun 12, 2026, 11:44 PM UTC