In the world of fanfiction, OTP is a commonly used term, especially amongst readers and writers who are passionate about particular characters' relationships. It stands for 'One True Pairing' and refers to a favorite combination of characters in a particular fandom. The term is heavily associated with the notion of 'shipping', a concept that originally comes from the word 'relationship'. Basically, when you ship a certain couple, it means you passionately believe they belong together, regardless of whether they actually are together in the original storyline or not. In this article, we will thoroughly discuss OTP in fanfiction from multiple perspectives.

History of OTP and Term's Origin

The term OTP started gaining traction in the fanfiction community in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the rise of internet forums and discussion boards specially dedicated to popular media such as TV shows, movies, or books. One of the earliest fandoms to utilize the term OTP was the Harry Potter fandom, with many fans declaring their OTPs among the book series' characters.

OTP Variations

In fanfiction, OTPs aren't limited to just one per fandom. There can be multiple OTPs from the same fandom, depending on different fan's interpretation or preference. Besides, there are variations of OTP due to the vast nature of fanfiction. These may include BROTP (a platonic friendship pairing), NOTP (a pairing a fan doesn't like), and OT3 (involving three characters).

An OTP is not necessarily romantic in nature. There are many variations on the theme, including 'Familial OTP' and 'Friendship OTP', which revolve around family and friendship relationships, respectively.

The Role of OTP In Fanfiction

OTPs play a significant role in fanfiction. It gives fans an avenue to explore the relationships between characters beyond the established storyline. Writers create situations and scenarios that allow their OTP to interact and develop their relationship, oftentimes in ways not seen in the original story.

Often, fanfiction writers use their OTPs as inspiration when writing their stories. They tailor their plots and character development around these pairings, creating elaborate narratives that help flesh out these relationships further. In this way, OTPs breathe new life into beloved characters and aid in expanding the fictional universe they belong to.

Reaction Towards OTPs

The fans' reactions towards OTPs are quite diverse. Some fans are dedicated followers of their OTPs, supporting their favorite pairings through thick and thin. They eagerly anticipate any fanfiction that features their OTP and eagerly discuss these relationships with fellow fans. They interpret the original story through the lens of their OTP, and consider any interaction between these characters as significant.

However, not everyone reacts positively to OTPs. Fans who disagree with certain pairings, also known as 'anti-shippers', often criticize these OTPs and argue that they're harmful or problematic. Such debates often create a divide in the fandom, leading to heated discussions and, in some instances, online feuds.

OTPs on Different Platforms

Popular platforms for fanfiction such as Archive of Our Own (AO3), FanFiction.net, and Wattpad are rife with OTPs. These platforms provide tags for specific OTPs, making it easier for fans to locate stories featuring their desired pairings. Each platform has its own unique interface and features, but they all serve the same purpose: to house fan-created content and foster a community of fans sharing the same interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About OTPs

Q: Can you have more than one OTP in the same fandom?

A: Absolutely! It's all about personal preference. Some fans stick to one OTP, while others have multiple ones within the same fandom.

Q: What is a BROTP?

A: BROTP refers to a platonic/friendship pairing that a fan loves. It's like an OTP, but without the romantic aspect.

Q: What if I don’t agree with someone else's OTP?

A: That's completely fine! It's important to respect other fans' OTPs, even if you don't agree with them.

Conclusion

OTP is an integral part of fanfiction, serving to provide interesting dynamics and depth to the characters within a story. Regardless of the controversy it may spark within the fandom, OTPs allow writers and readers alike to envision alternate universes and scenarios, thereby enriching the overall fanfiction experience.

References

McCulloch, G. (2019). Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language. Riverhead Books.

Van Der Nagel, E. (2013). Tumblr and the Belief in the Cult: Interrogating the Tumblr Teen's Faith in One True Pairing. Celebrity Studies.

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