Fanfiction

Definition

Fanfiction is a form of user-generated content where fans create their own narratives using characters, settings, and plots from existing media, such as books, movies, or television shows. This creative expression allows fans to explore alternative storylines and character developments, often leading to a deeper engagement with the original material and fostering a sense of community among fans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fanfiction allows fans to express their creativity and imagination by reinterpreting beloved characters and storylines in unique ways.
2. Platforms like Archive of Our Own (AO3) and FanFiction.net provide spaces for writers to publish their work and for readers to find new stories based on their favorite media.
3. Fanfiction can range from simple 'missing scenes' to complex narratives that completely alter the canon storyline.
4. Many authors of original works have acknowledged the existence of fanfiction, some even embracing it as a form of tribute or homage from dedicated fans.
5. The practice of writing fanfiction can lead to the development of writing skills, as many aspiring authors hone their craft through this medium before attempting original works.

Review Questions

• How does fanfiction contribute to the interaction between fans and the original media they love?
  • Fanfiction serves as a bridge between fans and their beloved media by allowing them to engage creatively with characters and plots. This interaction fosters a deeper emotional connection as fans explore alternative scenarios or character developments that might not be present in the original work. Furthermore, writing and reading fanfiction cultivates a sense of community among fans, who share similar interests and support one another's creative expressions.
• In what ways can fanfiction challenge traditional notions of authorship and ownership in creative works?
  • Fanfiction challenges conventional ideas of authorship by allowing fans to take established characters and storylines into their own hands, often creating alternate universes or reinterpreting original narratives. This practice raises questions about intellectual property rights as fan creators utilize characters from existing media without permission. It highlights the collaborative nature of storytelling within fandoms, where multiple interpretations coexist and contribute to a larger narrative landscape beyond the original author's control.
• Evaluate the impact of online platforms on the creation and distribution of fanfiction and its implications for broader literary culture.
  • Online platforms have transformed how fanfiction is created, shared, and consumed, democratizing access to storytelling for fans around the world. These platforms provide writers with an audience that may not have been reachable through traditional publishing routes. As a result, fanfiction has gained legitimacy within literary culture, prompting discussions about genre boundaries and the evolving definition of literature itself. This shift not only empowers amateur writers but also influences professional authors as they engage with fan communities and consider the implications of their narratives on their audiences.

Related terms

fandom: A community of fans who share a common interest in a particular media franchise, often engaging in discussions, creations, and celebrations related to it.

original character (OC): A character created by a fan that is not part of the original media, often used in fanfiction to introduce new elements or perspectives.

slash fiction: A subgenre of fanfiction that focuses on romantic or sexual relationships between characters of the same gender, often reinterpreting existing dynamics.