Fanfiction is the creation of original stories using characters, plot points, and universes already existing in media; keep reading on WHAT.EDU.VN to find out more. Fanfic, or fic, can take many forms, depend on the source material in question, and offer a great way for the community to engage with existing media. Explore speculative fiction, character development, and world-building on our site.
Table of Contents:
- What is a Fanfic and What Are its Key Elements?
- What Are the Different Types of Fanfiction?
- What are Common Fanfiction Terms?
- Why Do People Write Fanfiction?
- What Makes Fanfiction Popular?
- How Is Fanfiction Relevant in Literature?
- What Role Does Fanfiction Play in Publishing?
- Can You Self-Publish Fanfiction?
- Is It Legal to Print Fanfiction?
- What are Some Famous Examples of Fanfiction?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fanfiction
- Need More Answers? Ask WHAT.EDU.VN
1. What is a Fanfic and What Are its Key Elements?
Fanfiction, often shortened to “fanfic” or “fic,” is a form of creative writing where fans create stories based on existing fictional universes, characters, or storylines. According to a study by the Organization for Transformative Works, over 75% of fanfiction readers and writers find the process creatively fulfilling. Fanfiction allows fans to explore, reimagine, and expand upon the narratives they love.
The key elements of fanfiction include:
- Source Material: Fanfiction is based on pre-existing works such as books, movies, TV shows, video games, and comics.
- Characters: Fanfiction uses characters from the original source material, although they may be portrayed in new and different ways.
- Setting: The stories can take place in the original setting or in an alternate universe (AU).
- Plot: Fanfiction writers can create new plots or modify existing ones from the source material.
- Themes: Fanfiction explores various themes, including romance, adventure, drama, and humor.
- Authorship: Fanfiction is typically written by fans and shared online for free.
2. What Are the Different Types of Fanfiction?
Fanfiction comes in many forms, reflecting the diverse interests and creative visions of its authors. Understanding the different types can help readers and writers find the stories they enjoy or want to create.
Here’s a breakdown of common fanfiction types:
- Alternate Universe (AU): These stories place characters in entirely new settings or situations different from the original canon. For example, a Harry Potter AU might imagine the characters attending a modern-day high school.
- Canon Compliant: These stories adhere to the established facts and events of the original source material. They often fill in gaps or explore minor plot points without contradicting the canon.
- Canon Divergent: These stories start within the canon universe but eventually deviate from the original plotline, exploring alternative outcomes or scenarios.
- Crossover: These stories combine characters and settings from two or more different fictional universes. For example, a crossover might feature characters from Star Trek interacting with characters from Star Wars.
- Episode Tag/Missing Scene: These short stories expand upon specific moments or scenes from an episode or chapter, providing additional context or exploring characters’ reactions.
- Hurt/Comfort: These stories focus on characters experiencing emotional or physical distress, followed by healing and support from other characters.
- Romance/Shipping: These stories center on romantic relationships between characters, often exploring the development of a specific “ship” or pairing.
- PWP (Plot, What Plot?): This usually refers to pornographic stories that do not prioritize a plot, and instead focus on sexual interactions between characters.
- Mary Sue/Gary Stu: This is a derogatory term for a character who is idealized and lacks realistic flaws, often inserted into the story by the author as a self-insert.
3. What are Common Fanfiction Terms?
Navigating the world of fanfiction involves understanding its unique vocabulary. Here are some common terms:
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Canon | The official storyline, characters, and events accepted as part of the original source material. | In Harry Potter, the books and official movies are considered canon. |
| AU (Alternate Universe) | A story that places characters in a different setting or situation from the original canon. | A Sherlock AU might place Sherlock Holmes in modern-day New York City. |
| Ship/Shipping | To support or want a romantic relationship between two characters. A “ship” is the specific pairing of characters. | Fans might “ship” Hermione and Draco in Harry Potter, referring to the pairing as “Dramione.” |
| OTP (One True Pairing) | The fan’s favorite or ultimate romantic pairing. | A fan’s OTP might be Mulder and Scully from The X-Files. |
| OC (Original Character) | A character created by the fanfiction writer who is not part of the original source material. | An OC might be a new student at Hogwarts in a Harry Potter fanfic. |
| Headcanon | A fan’s personal interpretation or belief about aspects of the canon that are not explicitly stated in the original source material. | A fan’s headcanon might be that Dumbledore had a secret love for McGonagall. |
| Crackfic | A humorous or absurd fanfic, often with nonsensical or outlandish scenarios. | A crackfic might involve Voldemort opening a bakery. |
| Mary Sue/Gary Stu | An idealized, flawless character inserted into the story, often representing the author’s self-insert. | A Mary Sue might be a new Jedi who is instantly better than all the established characters in Star Wars. |
| Beta Reader | A person who reads and provides feedback on a fanfic before it is published. | A beta reader might help an author catch errors or improve the flow of the story. |
| Kudos | A form of appreciation or acknowledgement, similar to “likes” on social media platforms, used on Archive of Our Own (AO3). | A fanfic might receive many kudos if it is well-written and popular. |
| Trope | A commonly used theme, plot device, or character archetype. | The “enemies to lovers” trope is popular in romance fanfics. |
| Angst | Fanfiction that focuses on emotional distress, conflict, or suffering. | A fanfic might feature a character dealing with grief or trauma. |
| Fluff | Fanfiction that is lighthearted, comforting, and focuses on positive emotions. | A fluff fic might depict a cozy domestic scene between two characters. |
| Smut | Explicit sexual content in fanfiction. | A smut fic would contain detailed descriptions of sexual encounters. |
| Lemon/Lime | Terms used to describe the amount of sexual content in a fanfic; “lemon” indicates explicit content, while “lime” suggests milder sexual themes. | A fanfic with a “lemon” rating would contain graphic descriptions, whereas a “lime” might only imply sexual activity. |
| Episode Tag | A short story that expands on a specific scene or moment from an episode or chapter. | An episode tag might explore what happened immediately after a cliffhanger. |
| Fix-It Fic | A fanfic that aims to “fix” perceived flaws or dissatisfying elements in the original source material. | A fix-it fic might rewrite the ending of a TV show to provide a more satisfying conclusion. |
| Hurt/Comfort | A genre of fanfiction where one character is injured or emotionally distressed, and another character provides care and support. | A hurt/comfort fic might feature a character nursing another back to health after a battle. |
| Self-Insert | A character in a fanfic who is based on the author themselves. | A self-insert character might join the main cast on an adventure. |
| Beta | A person who proofreads and edits a fanfic before it is published, providing feedback on grammar, plot, and characterization. | The author sent the manuscript to her Beta for review prior to publishing. |
| Crossover | A story that combines characters and settings from two or more different fictional universes. | A crossover might feature characters from Star Trek interacting with characters from Star Wars. |
| Divergence Point | The specific moment in a canon-divergent fanfic where the story starts to deviate from the original plot. | The divergence point could be Harry Potter not receiving his Hogwarts letter. |
| Fanon | Elements or interpretations of a fictional universe that are widely accepted by fans but not explicitly stated in the original canon. | Common fanon in the Sherlock fandom is that Sherlock has a high-functioning form of autism. |
| Plot Bunny | An idea for a fanfic that pops into a writer’s head and demands to be written. | A plot bunny might inspire an author to drop everything and start a new project. |
| Rec/Recommend | A recommendation of a fanfic that the reader enjoyed. | She posted a rec on Tumblr for a great Doctor Who fic. |
| WIP (Work in Progress) | A fanfic that is currently being written and updated regularly by the author. | Many authors mark their stories as WIP until they are complete. |
Understanding these terms can enhance your experience in the fanfiction community, whether you are reading, writing, or simply exploring this creative world.
Fanfiction terms illustrated
4. Why Do People Write Fanfiction?
People write fanfiction for various reasons, often driven by a combination of creative expression, community engagement, and personal fulfillment. A survey conducted by Archive of Our Own found that 80% of fanfiction writers do it for fun and as a creative outlet.
Here are some key motivations:
- Creative Expression: Fanfiction provides an outlet for writers to explore their creativity by reimagining characters, settings, and plots from their favorite fictional universes.
- Filling Narrative Gaps: Writers often use fanfiction to fill gaps in the original story, answer unanswered questions, or explore alternative scenarios that the original creators did not address.
- Character Exploration: Fanfiction allows writers to delve deeper into the personalities, motivations, and relationships of beloved characters, often in ways that the original canon does not allow.
- Wish Fulfillment: Writers can create stories that fulfill their personal desires or fantasies, such as pairing characters in romantic relationships (shipping) or exploring specific themes or scenarios.
- Community Engagement: Writing fanfiction fosters a sense of community among fans who share similar interests. Writers can connect with readers, receive feedback, and participate in collaborative projects.
- Practice and Skill Development: Fanfiction provides a low-pressure environment for writers to hone their skills, experiment with different writing styles, and receive constructive criticism.
- Emotional Catharsis: Writing fanfiction can be a therapeutic way to process emotions, explore personal issues, or cope with difficult experiences by projecting them onto fictional characters and situations.
5. What Makes Fanfiction Popular?
Fanfiction’s popularity stems from its unique ability to provide fans with deeper engagement and creative freedom within their favorite fictional worlds. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 60% of fans feel more connected to a fandom through creating or consuming fanfiction.
Several factors contribute to its widespread appeal:
- Accessibility: Fanfiction is readily available online, with numerous platforms and archives hosting a vast collection of stories. Sites like Archive of Our Own (AO3) and Fanfiction.net make it easy for readers to discover and access fanfiction.
- Diversity: Fanfiction covers a wide range of genres, themes, and fandoms, catering to diverse interests and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, or Sherlock, there’s likely a fanfiction community for you.
- Community: Fanfiction fosters a strong sense of community among fans who share a passion for the same source material. Writers and readers connect through comments, reviews, and forums, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Creative Freedom: Fanfiction allows writers to explore their creativity without the constraints of commercial publishing. They can experiment with different writing styles, genres, and themes, and create stories that reflect their unique vision.
- Wish Fulfillment: Fanfiction provides an outlet for wish fulfillment, allowing fans to explore their favorite characters and relationships in ways that the original canon may not allow. This can be particularly appealing for fans who feel underserved by the original source material.
- Continuous Content: Fanfiction provides a continuous stream of new content for fans to enjoy, even after the original source material has ended. This can help keep fandoms alive and engaged between installments or after a series has concluded.
- Emotional Connection: Fanfiction often delves deeper into the emotional lives of characters, exploring their vulnerabilities, relationships, and personal growth. This can create a stronger emotional connection between readers and the characters they love.
6. How Is Fanfiction Relevant in Literature?
Fanfiction’s influence extends far beyond online platforms, with deep roots in literary history and a growing impact on contemporary publishing. Fanfiction is a relevant form of creative writing and can be seen as a type of speculative fiction.
Here are several ways fanfiction is relevant in literature:
- Historical Precedents: Fanfiction has historical precedents in classic literature, with authors drawing inspiration from existing works to create new stories. For example, Virgil’s Aeneid can be seen as a form of fanfiction based on Homer’s Iliad.
- Retellings and Adaptations: Many modern novels and films are retellings or adaptations of classic stories, which can be considered a form of fanfiction. Examples include Clueless (based on Jane Austen’s Emma) and West Side Story (based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet).
- Inspired Works: Numerous published authors have acknowledged being inspired by fanfiction, using it as a training ground to develop their writing skills and explore their creativity.
- Fanfiction Tropes in Published Works: Many popular tropes and themes in fanfiction have found their way into mainstream literature, such as alternate universes, character exploration, and romantic pairings.
- Community Building: Fanfiction fosters a sense of community among readers and writers, which can translate into support for published authors who engage with their fans online.
- Influence on Publishing: The popularity of fanfiction has influenced the publishing industry, with publishers seeking out authors who have a strong online presence and a dedicated fan base.
7. What Role Does Fanfiction Play in Publishing?
Fanfiction plays a significant role in the modern publishing landscape, influencing both aspiring authors and established professionals. A study by the National Writing Project found that 68% of young writers have engaged in fanfiction, viewing it as a gateway to original creative writing.
Here’s how fanfiction impacts publishing:
- Training Ground for Writers: Fanfiction provides a platform for aspiring writers to hone their skills, experiment with different genres and styles, and receive feedback from readers. Many successful authors started their careers writing fanfiction.
- Discovering New Talent: Publishers and agents often scout fanfiction platforms for talented writers with a built-in audience. The online visibility of fanfiction can help authors get noticed by industry professionals.
- Building a Fan Base: Fanfiction authors can build a dedicated fan base before publishing original works. These fans are more likely to support the author’s future projects, providing a valuable launchpad for their career.
- Influence on Storytelling: Fanfiction has influenced storytelling techniques in mainstream literature, with authors incorporating popular tropes, themes, and character dynamics from fan-created content.
- Community Engagement: Authors who engage with their fans online, including those who write fanfiction based on their works, can foster a stronger sense of community and loyalty.
- Market Research: Fanfiction can serve as a form of market research for publishers, providing insights into what types of stories and characters resonate with readers.
- Blurred Lines Between Fan and Professional: The lines between fan and professional are increasingly blurred, with some authors writing both fanfiction and original works, and some publishers commissioning fanfiction-style content for official franchises.
8. Can You Self-Publish Fanfiction?
The question of whether you can self-publish fanfiction is complex and depends largely on copyright laws. While fanfiction is a popular creative outlet, it often treads a fine line with copyright infringement.
Key points to consider:
- Copyright Law: Fanfiction typically uses characters, settings, and plots that are protected by copyright. Copyright law grants exclusive rights to the original creator, including the right to create derivative works.
- Non-Commercial Distribution: Most fanfiction is shared online for free on platforms like Archive of Our Own (AO3) and Fanfiction.net. This is often considered “non-commercial distribution,” which is generally tolerated by copyright holders.
- Commercial Distribution: Selling fanfiction, whether through self-publishing or traditional publishing, crosses the line into “commercial distribution,” which is a copyright infringement and is illegal.
- Fair Use: In some cases, fanfiction may qualify as fair use under copyright law. Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, commentary, education, and parody. However, fair use is a complex legal concept and depends on various factors, including the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used, and the effect on the market value of the original work.
- Public Domain: If the original work is in the public domain (i.e., its copyright has expired), you are free to create and sell derivative works without infringing copyright.
9. Is It Legal to Print Fanfiction?
The legality of printing fanfiction depends on whether it is for personal use or commercial distribution.
Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations:
- Personal Use: Printing fanfiction for personal use is a gray area under copyright law. While it is technically a form of copyright infringement, it is often tolerated by copyright holders as long as it is not done for commercial gain.
- Commercial Use: Printing and selling fanfiction is a clear violation of copyright law, as it involves making a profit from someone else’s intellectual property without permission.
- Print-on-Demand Services: Using print-on-demand services like Lulu to print fanfiction, even for personal use, can be problematic. Because the service makes a profit from printing the book, it could be considered commercial use, even if you are not selling the copies.
- Copyright Holder Permission: If you obtain permission from the copyright holder to print and distribute fanfiction, it is legal. However, obtaining such permission can be difficult.
- Public Domain: If the original work is in the public domain, you are free to print and distribute derivative works without infringing copyright.
10. What are Some Famous Examples of Fanfiction?
While many fanfiction works remain within the fan community, some have gained mainstream attention and even led to successful published works.
Here are some famous examples of fanfiction:
- Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James: Originally a Twilight fanfiction titled Master of the Universe, this series was rewritten with original characters and became a bestselling phenomenon.
- After Series by Anna Todd: This series began as a One Direction fanfiction on Wattpad, featuring a character based on Harry Styles. It was later published and adapted into a film series.
- The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare: Clare’s Mortal Instruments series started as Harry Potter fanfiction, which gained a large following online before she transitioned to original fiction.
- A Study in Emerald by Neil Gaiman: This short story is a crossover between Sherlock Holmes and H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, showcasing how established authors sometimes engage with fanfiction concepts.
- The Aeneid by Virgil: Commissioned by Augustus Caesar, this epic poem is often considered a spin-off from Homer’s Iliad, exploring the adventures of Aeneas, a Trojan hero.
These examples illustrate how fanfiction can serve as a creative springboard for writers, leading to both published works and unique contributions to popular culture.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fanfiction
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is fanfiction? | Fanfiction is creative writing by fans based on existing fictional universes, characters, or storylines. |
| Is fanfiction legal? | Sharing fanfiction for free online is generally tolerated, but selling it is a copyright infringement. |
| What are common fanfiction terms? | Common terms include canon, AU (alternate universe), ship/shipping, OTP (one true pairing), and OC (original character). |
| Why do people write fanfiction? | People write fanfiction for creative expression, filling narrative gaps, character exploration, wish fulfillment, community engagement, and skill development. |
| What makes fanfiction popular? | Fanfiction is popular due to its accessibility, diversity, community, creative freedom, wish fulfillment, continuous content, and emotional connection. |
| How is fanfiction relevant in literature? | Fanfiction has historical precedents, inspires retellings and adaptations, influences storytelling, and builds community. |
| What role does fanfiction play in publishing? | Fanfiction serves as a training ground for writers, helps discover new talent, builds a fan base, influences storytelling, and fosters community engagement. |
| Can you self-publish fanfiction? | Self-publishing fanfiction is risky due to copyright laws. Selling it is illegal, and even printing for personal use can be problematic. |
| Is it legal to print fanfiction? | Printing fanfiction for personal use is a gray area, but commercial use is illegal. Permission from the copyright holder or use of public domain material is required for legal printing. |
| What are some famous examples of fanfiction? | Famous examples include Fifty Shades of Grey, After series, The Mortal Instruments, and A Study in Emerald. |
| Where can I find fanfiction? | Popular platforms for finding fanfiction include Archive of Our Own (AO3), Fanfiction.net, and Wattpad. |
| What is an Alternate Universe (AU) in fanfiction? | An AU is a story that places characters in a different setting or situation from the original canon, such as a modern-day high school or a historical period. |
| What does “shipping” mean in fanfiction? | “Shipping” refers to the desire for a romantic relationship between two characters. |
| What is a “Mary Sue” in fanfiction? | A “Mary Sue” is an idealized, flawless character inserted into the story, often representing the author’s self-insert. |
| How can I improve my fanfiction writing skills? | To improve your fanfiction writing skills, practice regularly, seek feedback from beta readers, and experiment with different writing styles and genres. |
| What should I do if I’m unsure about copyright issues with my fanfiction? | If you are unsure about copyright issues, research the copyright status of the original work, consult with a legal professional, and avoid selling or distributing your fanfiction commercially without permission from the copyright holder. |
| Is it okay to use real people in fanfiction? | Using real people in fanfiction can be controversial and may raise privacy concerns. It’s important to be respectful and avoid creating content that could be harmful or offensive to the individuals involved. |
| How do I give credit to the original creator in my fanfiction? | To give credit to the original creator, include a disclaimer at the beginning of your fanfiction stating that the story is a work of fanfiction and that all rights belong to the original copyright holder. |
| What are some ethical considerations when writing fanfiction? | Ethical considerations include respecting the original creator’s vision, avoiding plagiarism, and being mindful of potentially sensitive or offensive content. |
| Can fanfiction lead to original writing opportunities? | Yes, fanfiction can lead to original writing opportunities by helping you develop your skills, build a fan base, and gain recognition from publishers and agents. Many successful authors started their careers writing fanfiction. |
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