Fan fiction

Definition

Fan fiction refers to stories written by fans that expand upon or reinterpret the original works of fiction, such as books, movies, or television shows. It allows fans to express their creativity and engagement with beloved characters and plots, often exploring alternative narratives, relationships, or settings. By creating their own versions of these stories, fans contribute to a larger conversation about the original material and foster a sense of community among fellow enthusiasts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fan fiction is often shared online through various platforms, such as fanfiction.net and Archive of Our Own, allowing writers to reach a global audience.
2. Some popular franchises with extensive fan fiction communities include Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Marvel Comics.
3. Writers of fan fiction do not typically earn money for their work, as it is usually considered a form of transformative art that builds upon existing intellectual property.
4. Fan fiction can serve as a way for fans to explore 'what if' scenarios, allowing them to imagine alternative storylines or character developments.
5. The practice of writing fan fiction has been around since at least the 1960s, with early examples emerging from Star Trek fandom, where fans created their own stories based on the show's characters.

Review Questions

• How does fan fiction allow fans to engage creatively with original works of fiction?
  • Fan fiction provides a platform for fans to creatively interact with the original works by allowing them to write their own stories using existing characters and settings. This form of expression enables fans to explore alternate storylines, delve deeper into character relationships, or create entirely new adventures. Through writing fan fiction, enthusiasts not only showcase their passion but also contribute to a broader community dialogue around the source material.
• Discuss the implications of sharing fan fiction online for both writers and the original creators of the content.
  • Sharing fan fiction online has significant implications for both writers and original creators. For writers, it fosters a sense of community and provides feedback on their creative efforts. However, it can also lead to concerns regarding copyright and intellectual property for original creators. While many creators appreciate the enthusiasm behind fan works, some may feel protective over their characters and narratives. This dynamic raises questions about ownership and respect within creative communities.
• Evaluate how fan fiction can reflect cultural trends and societal issues through its narratives.
  • Fan fiction serves as a lens through which cultural trends and societal issues can be examined and critiqued. By reinterpreting existing narratives, fan writers often address contemporary themes such as identity, sexuality, and gender roles. For instance, slash fiction may challenge traditional notions of romance and relationships by showcasing LGBTQ+ narratives within established universes. This capacity for fan fiction to reflect and respond to societal changes highlights its significance as a form of participatory culture that engages with real-world issues through fictional storytelling.

Related terms

fandom: A community of fans who share a common interest in a particular work of fiction, often participating in discussions, events, and creative activities related to that work.

original character (OC): A character created by a fan that does not exist in the original work, often introduced into fan fiction to interact with established characters and enrich the storyline.

slash fiction: A subgenre of fan fiction that focuses on romantic or sexual relationships between characters of the same gender, often exploring themes of love and identity.