BIts of this describe why I really disliked Frank and didn't at all care for the young male in Ex Machina. They all embody many of the negative stereotypical computer nerd attributes, but don't show an ability to grow beyond that type and develop into someone unique. It's like the writers want us to accept them for who they are, but then go to lengths to highlight what makes them socially inept. Can I give you a suggestion, JT? I read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao early this year and have been wanting to talk to someone about it. The main character embodies the usual shut-in nerd, but in the unique context of a Dominican family that fled from their homeland after persecution by Trujillo. I wasn't much a fan of the first half of the book, but after a point, it clicked and felt like a really unique telling of nerdom, masculinity, heroism, and family history. I still have some difficulty putting it into words exactly why it worked so well for me, but it would be neat to hear what you think of it...The main character of the book is a kid whose name I forget but who is basically a stereotypical redditor. There was a brief moment where I thought the twist was going to be that the character was a girl, but no they're just a fucking mary-sue neckbeard. John Reddit as I came to know him is an overweight poor kid whose mom doesn't understand how much he loves video games, and he's wayyyyy too smart for school and he's totally a secret genius at all video games but nobody recognizes his talents.