On characterisation in fanfiction and reasons why they do it
Although I read pieces of fanfiction in which the characterisation is completely way off, I still enjoy it. It is fanfiction and yes, characterisation is important. But, the reason why so many people who write these stories get many hits/reviews is that it is probably a good story as well as the fact that the reader feels that he/she can relate to the story or the characters more than they actually can if the characters are in character. That’s just my opinion.
But mostly, it’s just because it’s a good story that they are getting for free. And who wouldn’t jump at the chance to read a good story for free?
I've seen stories which feature OOC characters a lot, yes, I'm looking at you, Card Captor Sakura fandom, not to say that every story in that fandom has OOC characters: but most of the ones that I've seen are in that fandom. Most of the stories that are there have good characterisation. Why do they do this? They get caught up in the plot of the story and they forget about characterisation, which is the difference between fan fiction and regular fiction. Or they just don't care about it: they testing new story ideas. Or they don't bother with it because it's hard. Sometimes, it is. You have to analyse why a character would do something or why he/she would react to something that way. And use that reaction as to find out how the character would react to an event in your story.
For those who struggle with it like I do, I sympathise with you entirely. But don't give up, characterisation is one step towards a good or great fic. Just analyse the character's reaction to his/her destiny and go over anything that may show his personality - and use that. The reader will enjoy it more because it's more believable and you will too, knowing that you've created something which brings joy to the people who read it, and yes, that includes yourself!
But mostly, it’s just because it’s a good story that they are getting for free. And who wouldn’t jump at the chance to read a good story for free?
I've seen stories which feature OOC characters a lot, yes, I'm looking at you, Card Captor Sakura fandom, not to say that every story in that fandom has OOC characters: but most of the ones that I've seen are in that fandom. Most of the stories that are there have good characterisation. Why do they do this? They get caught up in the plot of the story and they forget about characterisation, which is the difference between fan fiction and regular fiction. Or they just don't care about it: they testing new story ideas. Or they don't bother with it because it's hard. Sometimes, it is. You have to analyse why a character would do something or why he/she would react to something that way. And use that reaction as to find out how the character would react to an event in your story.
For those who struggle with it like I do, I sympathise with you entirely. But don't give up, characterisation is one step towards a good or great fic. Just analyse the character's reaction to his/her destiny and go over anything that may show his personality - and use that. The reader will enjoy it more because it's more believable and you will too, knowing that you've created something which brings joy to the people who read it, and yes, that includes yourself!