How to add a character on fanfiction

Welcome to the world of fanfiction, where rules of original works get twisted, plots get reshaped, and yes, occasionally, new characters make an appearance. Adding a character to an existing narrative can be challenging, yes, but equally exciting. If done right, your character can bring new dynamics and dimensions to the fictional universe you love. This guide will walk you through the worthwhile but intricate process of adding a character to your fanfiction. Read on for comprehensive tips, pitfalls to avoid, and much else besides.
Understanding Your Role as a Fanfiction Writer
Initially, you need to have a clear sentiment of your role as a fanfiction author. You're rewriting and expanding an existing universe, thereby supplementing stories with your interpretations and imagination. This requires mastering not just the original work but also the conventions of fanfiction.

Be mindful that while fanfic allows for freedom in playing with characters and worlds, it's equally fundamental to respect the source material. Even when adding new characters, the essence of the original story should not be lost.
Get to know your fanfiction community
Each fanfiction community has its unique atmosphere, values, and rules. When you're adding a character, you should be conscious of the specific guidelines concerning original character integration on the platform you're utilizing.
Fanfiction.net, for instance, has a large and varied community with all sorts of stories, while Archive of Our Own (AO3) tends to be more liberal concerning sexually explicit content or unconventional storylines. Depending on the platform, your new character can have wild adventures or might need to be a bit more restrained.
Determining the Role of the Character
Prevailing, decide what purpose your new character will serve. This role can range from a protagonist to a sidekick, or to a mere background character who helps move the story along. Defining the role of the character will help in crafting their personality, background, and interactions with other characters.
A concept outline sketching character's main roles, strengths, weaknesses, and their long/short term intentions helps you remain focused during the writing process.
Creating a Detailed Character Profile
Once you have outlined the character's role, the next step would be developing a detailed character profile, including their physical appearance, personality traits, background, and inspirations.
This profile is not simply to reference while writing but should help guide your character's actions and reactions. Divergence from their defined personality might confuse your readers and create inconsistencies in your narrative.
Introducing the Character Naturally
When it's time to unveil your character, aim for it to be a natural introduction. Avoid an abrupt appearance; instead, integrate them progressively, allowing your readers to get used to the newcomer. Consider utilizing existing characters to introduce them.
Be cautious about introducing your new character in high-stress or dramatic scenes. They might steal the spotlight from beloved characters, which could be off-putting for your readers.
Creating Authentic Relationships
Characters in a story don't exist in isolation. Work on building realistic relationships between your character and the canon characters. These relationships must align with pre-established personality traits and dynamics.
For example, if the canon characters are known for their skepticism towards new characters, it would be out of character for them to instantly trust your new addition. Similarly, a romantic relationship between your character and a canon one should develop organically, grounded in meaningful interactions.
Avoiding Mary Sues and Gary Stues
Mary Sue or Gary Stue is an idealized, seemingly perfect original character often disliked by fanfiction readers. Such characters display unrealistic abilities, win unwarranted admiration from canon characters, and often command the spotlight.
It's essential to remember that flaws and imperfections make characters relatable and intricate. Your character should have flaws, weaknesses, and face challenges, just like any other in the story.
Consistent World-Building
A crucial step in adding a character is ensuring the consistency of the world in your story. Every aspect linked to your character, such as their backstory, their abilities, or their knowledge, should be logically aligned with the established universe of the original work.
Ensure your character doesn't introduce any inconsistencies or contradictions to the world-building of the original narrative. If such an issue arises, you might need to reconsider the elements of your character that cause the inconsistency.
Quality over Quantity
Don't rush to reveal everything about your character at once. Adding them to fanfiction is about quality, not quantity of information. Instead of an info-dump, let your readers gradually discover the character through their actions, dialogue and relationships.
Unraveling their backstory slowly, mixing vital information with red herrings, can make your character more intriguing and engaging for the readers.
FAQs
Q1: What is a Mary Sue/Gary Stue and how to avoid them?
A1: These are idealized, almost perfect fan-made characters. Avoid them by making your characters more human, flawed, and complex.
Q2: Can I introduce a new character at any point in the story?
A2: Technically, yes, but it's best to introduce the character gradually, without derailing the current narrative or disregarding the existing characters.
Q3: Is it necessary for the new character to have a significant role in the plot?
A3: Not necessarily. The new character can be a minor or side character who helps to move the story along.
Q4: Can my character have relations with the canon characters?
A4: Yes, but these relationships should feel organic and not forced. They should also be logical and aligned with pre-established character dynamics.
References
- Writing With Color. (2020). How to write diverse characters without stereotyping. https://writingwithcolor.tumblr.com/
- FanFiction.net. (2021). The ultimate guide to writing fanfiction. https://www.fanfiction.net/
- Dreamwidth. (2018). How to avoid Mary Sue in your writing. https://dreamwidth.org/
