Rape is simply used to break the character so the second character in the pairing can bring the victim back from the brink of destruction.

Exactly. Which is a story that I love. But then I'm just a whore for h/c stories. Doesn't even have to be rape. I'll take torture too. ;)

See, that's what interests me, the thin line between fantasy and deed, between good and evil, between control and lack of restraint. Seeing a character snap.

I understand that. It's just not something that I deal with very well. For the same reason that I won't watch movies about serial killers or rapists or even watch real life documentaries. It disturbs me on some level that I just can't deal with. I don't want to understand rape or murder from any perspective fictional or real. It just frightens me too much.

But that's me.

My mother on the other hand is more like you. Likes to understand that thin line.

Anyway, thanks for replying. I find this discussion extremely fruitful.

You're welcome! It's certainly an interesting discussion. I'm glad you instigated it!