About Original Characters and how to write them

[anyjen]

Well, I’ve thinking lately about original characters, and what works and what doesn’t, and why they can sometimes get so annoying... and decided to put my musings into writing. Since I’m used to being in “teacher mode” (an occupational hazard), I wrote it as if teaching somebody how to handle original characters well, but it’s actually more a way

Comments

[anyjen]

I'm glad it was of help, then. I also used to have problems with the dreaded Mary Sue... but in short, the key to keeping an OC in check is:

1) Flaws. They should have them! (within reason)

2) Centre of attention. They aren't it!

3) Personal history. We don't care about this!

Unless, of course, the plot dictates otherwise, but in each and every case there must be very good reason for it.

And if all else fails, you can always apply the KISS method: Keep It Simple, Stupid! (I have to remind myself of this all the time. XD)

[anyjen]

The KISS method has saved my life. And it can be applied to everything! XD

[smokexscribbles]

I see no good reason to put OCs in CLAMP fic, honestly... There's just so much potential crossover that if you need someone, you can stick a cameo in there, and readers usually appreciate it. When I was writing Tunnel Flights I put Himawari in it and most people had no idea she was there, haha.

[anyjen]

True; but although I wrote this using examples from xxxholic, I did it with other series in mind... and not all series lend themselves to crossovers.

Still, if you're not writing an AU it may not be so easy to stick a cameo and make it seem natural.

Me, I'm all for cameos... I'm a clamp fan and any time my favs show up, even as a secondary or supporting character, I'm in heaven... but sometimes you need something simple, and not everyone knows how to handle a simple character. I know it took me a while to learn that.

[smokexscribbles]

That's true. You know I'm a total cameowhore though ^_^;

[dicks]

<3 Whoa. Thanks for writing this. The truth is, I'm not good in writing OC and if I end up writing one, I'll stick them at the background. hahaha. But seriously, I read Cold Cases some time ago and I adore that fic. And you're right about the OCs. I vaguely remember them even though they played an important part in that fic. XD

[anyjen]

The thing about OCs is that most of the time you can simply avoid using them, but not all the time. Most of the time whatever they have to do can be done with a canon character, but sometimes you need an original character.... whether as the Bad Guy, Rival in Love, Homeroom Teacher, Anonymous Passerby that gave Directions, Monster of the Week or whatever. It's no crime creating characters when you need them to perform a specific function... the key is to not make them go over that function, and not making them very special. Say only the strictly necessary you have to say about them. We are surrounded by people we don't know all the time, and we are quick to forget about them unless they cause a strong impression... that's what an original character should be (if you're familiar with Eyeshiled 21, a supporting character would be Ishimaru and the helpers from the basketball team. They only show up when they're needed and then quickly fade into the background

[dicks]

Aha! I remember that scene. Well, I remember most of the scenes in that fic of yours. Hahhaha. true..true. I can't remember your oc at all. orz

[dicks]

Btw.. is there any chance that you're free beta-reading 1000+ one shot?