Fanon Characterization
So for today's Fanon Friday post, I'd like to talk about characterization in fanfiction, mainly in popslash but it can be broadened if anyone writes in other fandoms. I think popslash is really unique in the sense that we have such a broad and often ambiguous "canon" which can lead to multiple interpretations of someone's character. So, how do you decide what to include in your idea of canon--or is canon even relevant in determining the characters that you write? If not, what is? Has another author's fic ever made it into your personal canon? Is it just whatever narrative you want to write, or some combination? What does characterization really mean in a real person fandom?
One thing that has always fascinated me is how much characterization can be shaped by fic itself; I have found myself relying upon another author's characterization in a certain fic, either consciously because I really liked it, or sometimes unconsciously because it fits with my notions of that person. What's also interesting is how some of my favorite fics have conflicting characterizations of someone--I can see that person reacting in two different ways, but given my limited view of that person both could be logical or realistic. So what do you think is important to characterization when writing?
One thing that has always fascinated me is how much characterization can be shaped by fic itself; I have found myself relying upon another author's characterization in a certain fic, either consciously because I really liked it, or sometimes unconsciously because it fits with my notions of that person. What's also interesting is how some of my favorite fics have conflicting characterizations of someone--I can see that person reacting in two different ways, but given my limited view of that person both could be logical or realistic. So what do you think is important to characterization when writing?