Entering the fantastical world of 'How to Train Your Dragon', full of colorful fiery creatures, witty vikings, and heartwarming moments can be a thrilling experience, especially when you have your own original character (OC) to script your own storylines. Here's a helpful guide on how to train your dragon OC, covering various aspects from creating a compelling persona to developing a captivating storyline.

I. Creating Your OC

Begin by conceptualizing your OC. Who are they? A Viking, a dragon, or maybe both? Develop your OC's personality, choose their dragon species, decide on their home and family background. Consistent, in-depth character traits ensure a well-rounded character. Add uniqueness but stay realistic to avoid the 'Mary Sue' or 'Gary Stu' trap - the character that is perfect in every way, lacking flaws and thereby, story interest.

If you're stuck, use character builders for inspiration. One popular example is Charahub, an online application where you can create and organize your characters. It offers a broad spectrum of character traits to select, helping steer clear of clichés while staying true to the 'How to Train Your Dragon' universe. Remember, the more believable your character, the more invested your readers will be.

II. Creating Your Dragon

A dragon is significant in any 'How to Train Your Dragon' story as they portray loyalty, bravery, and friendship. Similar to your OC, your Dragon should also have defined characteristics. Choose the species carefully, referring to the 'Dragonpedia' for guidance - Night Fury for its power, or maybe a Gronkle for its calm demeanor?

The relationship dynamics between your character and the dragon is crucial. Are they best friends, equals, or does one dominate the other? This relationship illustrates a deep bond and character development. Read official books and watch series for reference. Pay attention to the interaction between Dragons and their riders. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless provides a great example.

III. Developing the Plot

Your story should be original and interesting. It can be an event that wasn't covered in the official series or your interpretation of these events. Whichever it is, keep your plotline consistent with the 'How to Train Your Dragon' universe. For instance, Vikings discovering a new dragon species or an epic dragon race could serve as potential storylines.

Dedicate time to planning your plot. Use online tools like 'The Plot Factory' that guides you through story planning and helps avoid plot holes. Sketch out the beginning, middle, and end, and detail the climactic points where tension must rise or fall. In each chapter, have a clear goal for your characters.

IV. Maintaining Canon Accuracy

While the focus remains on your OC, it's crucial to integrate canon characters in your story, like Hiccup, Astrid, or Stoick. The story will feel more embedded in the universe, attracting fans of the original series. Fans don't appreciate canon inaccuracies, so make sure to study the canon material behind 'How to Train Your Dragon' extensively.

Join discussion forums about 'How to Train Your Dragon' like the 'Berk's Grapevine', where you can find trivia, discussions, and clarifications about the series' events and characters. Insight into these details will make your fanfiction more authentic and appreciated among fans.

FAQ's

Q1: Are fan-fiction stories legal? A: Yes, as long as they are not commercialized. It's a form of creative expression widely recognized by authors and publishers.

Q2: Can my OC be from a different tribe or culture? A: Sure, as long as you treat the culture with respect and do extensive research to avoid stereotypes.

Q3: Can my dragon have special abilities that no other dragon has? A: Yes, but ensure the ability fits the species and the 'How to Train Your Dragon' universe. For instance, a Night Fury cannot suddenly breathe ice instead of fire.

Conclusion

Writing fanfiction isn't about writing the perfect story, but about enjoying the process. Take time to explore and experiment with different character dynamics, story progressions, and plot lines. Remember, the key to writing great OC fanfiction for 'How to Train Your Dragon' lies in understanding the series extensively, creating believable characters, and weaving a unique story. Happy writing!

References: 1. Cressida Cowell, How to Train Your Dragon series, Hachette UK, 2003-2015 2. "How to Train Your Dragon," DreamWorks Animation, 2010 3. "Berk's Grapevine", Berk's Grapevine, 2022

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