William Moulton Marston, the American psychologist, lawyer, inventor, and comic book writer, is the creator of Wonder Woman. His personal life was marked by unconventional relationships and interests, which influenced his work on the iconic superheroine. Specifically, Marston was involved in a polyamorous relationship with his wife, Elizabeth Holloway Marston, and their partner, Olive Byrne.
BDSM and Kink
Marston was known to have explored BDSM (bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism) and kink practices. His relationships with Elizabeth and Olive involved elements of BDSM, which he incorporated into his writing, particularly in the early Wonder Woman comics. The character’s use of Lasso of Truth, a magical rope that compels people to tell the truth, can be seen as a metaphor for the power dynamics and control inherent in BDSM relationships.
Polyamory and Non-Traditional Relationships
Marston’s relationships with Elizabeth and Olive were non-traditional, even by today’s standards. The three lived together, and Olive was the mother of Marston’s children. This arrangement was not publicly acknowledged during Marston’s lifetime, as it was considered taboo. However, it has since been documented and acknowledged as an important aspect of his life and work.