Roundtable Discussion XXIV: Writing Forum III - Characterization in Fic: Canon

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Topic: Canon Characterization suggested by grey_hunterTopics can include, but are not limited to

Comments

[alovelycupoftea]

I think it's absolutely the case that in canon we get a small glimpse into Harry's perception of characters at a moment in time.

As writers and artists I think making characters 'canon' or 'in character' is somehow about getting to the essence of their character, and suggesting how they might act or react in different circumstances. This, of course, is almost completely about individual interpretation. I think it is when the interpretation of the writer/artist and the reader overlap, that it seems in character or canon.

So - in the books, Harry sees Draco as a coward. But, as a reader I can interpret his actions as a spoiled little boy who hides behind his family prestige. For me, I don't think these things are unchangeable. I can forsee a series of events where a spoiled little boy grows up into a good man and where he is no longer interested in hiding behind his family name. If as a writer I create that scenario, and then have Draco do something courageous - does that mean the Draco I am writing is OOC?

I would say not, because I don't think being a coward is an essential part of Draco's character. Just because that is how Harry perceives him does not meant that that perception of a persona is the true self of the person. But, if readers want to disagree, and label him as "OOC", then that is entirely up to them. They are entitled to their canon interpretation just as I am.

I suppose what I am saying is that writing a character 'in character' is about trying to get at the deeper level of a person. Not just what Harry sees, but what we can piece together too. If an author or an artist does this, and does this convincingly, then I think their work will be generally be seen as 'in character'...

[inamac]

Indeed. The Harry POV itself warps the characterisation - and even JKR allows the characters to change through the time period of the story. Leaving aside the deliberate obscuration of Snape's loyaties what are we to make of Dumbledore? If I;d written him as the duplicitious, manipulating bastard person that he's shown to be in DH back before DH had been published would that have been OOC? Is it suddenly validated by what we know now?

And if I want to write the 'bad guys' as heroes, or the story from Voldemort's POV does that make them OOC? No man is a villain to himself, after all...