Introduction

In the virtual literary world, one name that has gained immense popularity in recent years is Draco Malfoy, a character from the universally popular "Harry Potter" series. A recent trend that has taken over many fanfiction communities is the "Do what Draco says" trope. This article aims to analyze this phenomenon from various aspects, exploring fan responses, its influence on fanfiction culture, and the possible sociological and psychological implications.

Origin and Popularity

The "Do what Draco says" trope originated within the Harry Potter fanfiction community, where fans began reimagining the antagonistic relationship between Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. In these alternative universes, Draco's domineering personality is emphasized, often turning him into a character who takes charge and gives directions that others must follow.

The trope gained traction due to the widespread longing to see a different side of Draco, who was often represented as a negative character in the original works. The idea of Draco being a leader and making decisions pleasing to his fans, contributing to the growth of this trend.

Fanfiction Platforms

Among the platforms where the "Do what Draco says" trope is thriving include Wattpad and Archive of Our Own (AO3), which are known for their extensive collection of fanfiction stories. Wattpad, characterized by its easy-to-use interface and a broad user demographic, sees a lot of Draco-centric stories. Meanwhile, AO3, which is recognized for its detailed tagging system, provides a platform for more mature content, where this trope is often seen.

While both sites cater to a similar audience, AO3 tends to attract older users due to its relaxed policy on explicit content and its detailed sorting options. Meanwhile, Wattpad is often preferred by younger users due to its user-friendly nature and its emphasis on serialized storytelling.

Character Analysis

The portrayal of Draco Malfoy in this trope often diverges significantly from J.K. Rowling's original characterization. Draco's aloofness and entitled attitude, initially depicted as flaws, are used to construct a commanding and charismatic leader figure in fanfictions. The character's growth and development in this context are crucial to its appeal.

Often, Draco's transformation is nuanced and occurs over several chapters, showcasing his journey from an arrogant pureblood to a mature and sophisticated leader. This growth is one of the main factors driving the popularity of the trope, as it resonates with many fans who see potential in Draco's character.

Exploring Fan Responses

Many fans have expressed their enthusiasm for this trope, finding it an exciting twist on Draco's original storyline. Some even express that the trope has enabled them to see Draco in a new light, redeeming his character in their eyes. However, as with any trend, it has also garnered some criticism, mainly from fans who argue that it strays too far from the original series.

Despite these critiques, the trope maintains a steady fan base, indicating that a considerable number of people appreciate this reimagination of Draco's character. Furthermore, numerous fans are deeply invested in his journey and growth, looking eagerly for continuation and further development of his character.

Conclusion

The "Do what Draco says" train has been an interesting development in the world of fanfiction, offering fresh and innovative takes on a beloved character. While not everyone agrees with this rendition of Draco Malfoy, its popularity and the fervor of its fans cannot be overlooked. Thus, it looks set to continue as a dominant trend in the foreseeable future.

Questions and Answers

Q1: What is the "Do what Draco says" trope?
A: This trope is a prominent trend in Harry Potter fanfiction where Draco Malfoy is portrayed as a commanding character whose orders or instructions others follow.

Q2: Is this trope popular on all fanfiction platforms?
A: The "Do what Draco says" trope seems to be popular on most fanfiction platforms, including Wattpad and AO3.

Q3: Does everyone like this portrayal of Draco?
A: While there are plenty of fans who appreciate this reimagination of Draco's character, there are also critics who argue that it deviates too far from the original books.

References

1. Rowling, J.K. "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." Bloomsbury, 1997.
2. Archive of Our Own platform: https://archiveofourown.org/
3. Wattpad platform: https://www.wattpad.com/

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