Fanfiction represents a genre of literature that continuously expands its borders and demonstrates just how much fandom shapes the creativity of its writers. However, one question often lingers in the minds of fanfic readers and authors alike; Can original stories be written on fanfiction? To sufficiently answer this, it's important to delve into every nook and cranny of the fanfiction world. This piece will walk you through the idea of originality in fanfiction, touching on different aspects including character development, plot elements, crossovers, apps and platforms, narrative flexibility, legalities, and much more.
Original Characters and Character Development
In many fanfics, authors generate original characters (OCs) who interact with existing characters from the original work. These OCs can provide much-needed depth to the story, acting as foils to existing characters or driving the plot in unexpected directions. The creation of an OC allows for originality to creep into fanfiction.
Furthermore, well-developed OCs often form complex relationships with characters from the canon source. Fanfic authors use these relationships to explore themes that were not covered in the original work, further intensifying the originality factor.
Elements of Plot
Fanfic authors often work their magic by spinning new storylines. Whether they deviate entirely from the original plot or run in a parallel universe, this divergence brings forth an element of originality. Stories can take on an alternate plot, expanding the narrative universe of the original creation.
For instance, authors can decide to narrate from the perspective of a minor character in the original work, providing a fresh vantage point and an original storyline. These alternate retellings or 'What-if' scenarios offer room for exploration and creativity.
Crossovers
Crossovers quite literally cross over characters or plots from two different series, creating a unique fusion. This provides fanfic authors an avenue to delve into the unimagined, fabricating an entirely original storyline woven into various works.
Writing crossover fanfics can not only fuse elements of different works but also introduce new dynamics, further expanding the dimensions of originality. These reconstructed worlds offer authors a wide field to play in, fostering fresh ideas and creative narratives.
Fanfiction Platforms
Platforms like FanFiction.net and Archive of Our Own (AO3) are two popular fanfiction destinations. FanFiction.net, one of the pioneers in hosting fanfic, welcomes both fan-created works and original stories. AO3 is notorious for its liberal submission standards, enabling authors to experiment with virtually any genre, theme, or style.
Story-writing app Wattpad also offers a platform for original stories by allowing authors to create content under their original works in addition to fan-written materials. On these platforms, untouched territories of fictional worlds are open for fanfic writers to explore and generate original stories.
Narrative Flexibility and Creative Liberty
Fanfiction affords authors enormous flexibility which massively contributes to originality. Whether it's bending the rules of the universe, tweaking character traits and motivations, or introducing new themes and tropes, fanfic writers wield a universe of possibilities.
Using such creative liberties, authors can take an existing work and transform it into something entirely fresh, injecting their unique perspectives and ideas into the original piece. This allows the creation of innovative narratives that extend beyond the original framework.
Legalities and Fair Use
One concern is whether writing original stories in fanfiction, using copyrighted content as a starting point, is legal. In copyright law, there's a principle called ‘fair use�that allows authors to use copyrighted works in a transformative manner. Fair use favors activities such as criticism, commentary, teaching, or scholarly research.
In essence, fanfiction is transformative writing and often passes the ‘fair use�test. Fanfic authors add value to the original work, creating new narratives and adventures. Thus, it further supports the originality embedded in fanfic culture.
Q&A
Q: Can original characters be used in fanfiction?
A: Yes, original characters can be created in fanfiction to add depth and complexity to the narrative.
Q: Are there limits to the originality in fanfiction?
A: The core of fanfiction is based on another's work, but factors like creative liberties, narrative flexibilities, and crossover potentials can contribute to high originality levels.
Q: Is it legal to write original stories in fanfiction?
A: Yes, under the principle of ‘fair use�in copyright law, fanfiction is mostly legal as it’s considered transformative work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, originality thrives in fanfiction. The intersection between innovation and fandom often facilitates original narratives, enriching the world of fanfics. Whether through original characters, new plotlines, transformative narratives, or platform opportunities, every aspect reveals one truth: It is entirely possible—and even encouraged—to write original stories on fanfiction.
References:
1. Pugh, Sheenagh. (2005). The Democratic Genre: Fan Fiction in a Literary Context. Paratext.
2. Hellekson, Karen. (2009). A Fannish Field of Value: Online Fan Gift Culture. Cinéma Journal, 48(4), 113-128.
3. “Fair Use.�(2019). U.S. Copyright Office, www.copyright.gov/fair-use
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