Demigods and diversity : a critical analysis of diversity and representation in the books of Rick Riordan

Abstract

In modern media, diversity is an ever-present topic. Although this conversation is usually centered around major films, television, and advertisements, the world of literature also struggles to represent the diversity of the human population. Juvenile fantasy author Rick Riordan has evolved in this area over the past twelve years while writing five different series of books that highlight an array of characters of many different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Through an analysis of Percy Jackson and the Olympians (2005-2009), The Kane Chronicles (2010-2012), The Heroes of Olympus (2010-2014), Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard (2015), and The Trials of Apollo (2016), I will evaluate the diversity and representation of minorities in Riordan's work, and discuss the impacts and outcomes of his work on current culture.