"How I Met Your Mother" (HIMYM) is a popular romantic comedy series that aired from 2005 - 2014. This article will explore a popular pairing in the fandom - Barney Stinson and Robin Scherbatsky - through fanfiction hosted on Archive of Our Own, a widely used fan-creation platform. It will analyze the themes, dynamics and scenarios that fan authors tend to explore and dive deep into Barney and Robin's intriguing relationship.

Throughout the run of the series, Barney and Robin's relationship provided humour, drama, and emotion that fueled a significant portion of the series. Their dynamic played a crucial role in evolving each other as well as the overall plot. Endearing moments delivered by the pair have generated a substantial fandom on online platforms, particularly on Archive of Our Own(AO3).

Appeal of Robin and Barney

Many fans were drawn to Robin and Barney’s unconventional relationship. The couple’s playful banter, deep-rooted bond, and contrasting personalities intrigued viewers and steered their interest towards forming a fandom. This contrast creates a perfect ground for fan authors to play around with different scenarios, conflict, and resolutions. Barney, the charming womanizer, and Robin, the independent journalist, created a beautiful mess that fans couldn't help but love.

Through fanfiction, fans get to explore possible scenarios, alternate realities, and dive deeper into their personalities. The romantic sparks between Robin and Barney seen in the show are extended to unique situations by fans, enriching their story arc.

Common Themes and Scenarios

The bulk of Barney/Robin fanfiction comprises of alternate universes(AUs). The appeal of AUs lies in the endless creativity that it allows, wherein the characters can be reimagined in completely different settings. Popular themes include the 'Coffee shop AU', where either Robin or Barney owns a coffee shop, or the 'High School AU', where they are portrayed as teenage sweethearts.

Another major theme involves addressing key issues and points of contention in their relationship, for instance, Barney's commitment issues or Robin's independence. This offers fans a chance to explore the dynamics in depth, solving the neglected problems in their relationship.

Narrative Styles and Techniques

A wide range of writing styles are evident in the Barney/Robin fandom. From multi-chaptered, detailed narratives to short, poignant one-shots, AO3 hosts a repertoire of styles. Some authors prefer first-person narratives, giving a deep insight into the thoughts of the characters, while others write in third person offering a broad perspective of the narrative.

Moreover, techniques such as non-linear arrangement and flashbacks are often used, echoing the storytelling style of HIMYM. This helps keep the essence of the show while also adding new dimensions and interpretations to the narrative.

The Role of AO3

AO3 (Archive of Our Own) has become the go-to platform for fanfiction. The platform allows the flexibility of using tags, filters, and rating system that accommodate precise specificity in searching for engaging content. AO3's user-friendly interface and policy of respect towards fan authors contribute significantly to its popularity.

The thousands of fanfictions written by fans on AO3 show their dedication and support towards the Barney/Robin pairing. These fics add depth to their relationship and fill in gaps left by the original series, giving fans the detailed exploration of the couple they wish to see.

Conclusion

The Barney/Robin pairing is an example of fans' creative interpretation of TV series. The fanpeople on platforms like AO3 offer readers a range of different explorations of their dynamics, going beyond what's shown on TV. By engaging with fanworks, viewers can extend their enjoyment of the show and further analyze the characters they love.

FAQs:

Q1. Why is Barney/Robin pairing so popular among fans?
A: The contrasting personalities of Robin and Barney make their relationship intriguing to fans. Their chemistry, shared humour, and unique love story have drawn many viewers to their side.

Q2. What is AO3, and how does it contribute to Barney/Robin fanfiction?
A: AO3 is a fan-creation platform that hosts a variety of fanfiction and fanart. The tagging and search features of the platform enable readers to find Barney/Robin fanfictions easily.

Q3. What kind of fanfictions can be found about Barney and Robin?
A: The wide array of fanfictions about Barney and Robin includes alternate universes, extended plotlines following the series�narrative, and explorations of different aspects of their relationship.

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