What are some of the most popular fendom story tropes?
Fandom stories, such as fanfiction, usually have a wide variety of tropes and often feature elements of wish fulfillment. Over time, some tropes have become especially popular and widely recognized, forming the foundation of countless fanfiction stories. From alternate universes (AU’s) to time-loops, here are some of the most popular tropes used in fandom stories.
1. Alternative Universe (AU): Alternative universes (from the Latin alter, meaning “other”) allow fanfiction writers to explore a spin-off on their existing universe, often with less canon-explicit restrictions. It allows them to introduce new characters, pairings, and plotlines without having to stay true to the original world they’re working in. The freedom to work without such limitations is the main draw of these types of stories, in which writers can have their characters see and experience new adventures. Examples of well-known AU-inspired stories include “Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century” and the highly acclaimed “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”.
2. Time-Loop: Time Loop fictions refer to stories in which characters live out the same day or period of time again and again. Every day is the same, with the characters repeating the same events over and over. This trope often works well with fantasy-inspired fanfiction stories, as it allows writers to explore interesting temporal manipulations and create unique, plot-driven stories with unexpected undertones. An example of a well-loved time loop story is “Groundhog Day”.
3. Alternate Character Interpretation (ACI): Alternate Character Interpretation is typically used to explore a character in a completely new way. It could be exploring a villain’s softer side or a hero’s inner darkness. This trope often involves deepening a character’s backstory and understanding, by providing an adjustment to the way a character is usually perceived in the canon. One of the most popular ACI fictions out there is “What If?”, by Blake Snyder, which tells the story of Superman if he had grown up in a poor, inner city family.
4. Soulmate AU: This trope has become very popular within the fanfiction community, as it allows writers to explore a romantic relationship between their characters in a deeply meaningful way. In these stories, the two characters are said to share a special bond that transcends even death, and they are often driven by a force greater than them. This trope is often explored with characters that were never close in the original canon, such as an unlikely pairing between an antagonist and a protagonist. A well-known example is the fanfiction story “Soulmates”, by Kyria, which explores an unexpected relationship between Loki and Thor.
5.Genderbent AU: The genderbent trope is quite popular in fanfiction, and it allows writers to explore otherwise unseen potentials in character development. It entails changing characters from their original gender to another (or even introducing a character with a genderqueer or non-binary identity). There are countless stories that have used this trope, such as “Feminine Fury”, by Christina Hendricks, which explores a gender-swapped version of Bruce Banner and what his life might be like.
Overall, fanfiction stories can often benefit from the use of these common tropes. They can provide interesting foundations for complex, imaginative stories that play around with canon material and provide entertaining escapism for avid readers around the world. Reference
What are some of the most popular fendom story characters?
Given the broad scope of fandoms and the plethora of characters to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down some of the most popular characters. There are fan-favorite main characters from well-loved franchises, beloved and adored villains that are celebrated for their complexity, and endlessly inspiring original characters. Here’s a look at some of the most popular fictional characters in fandom stories:
1. Harry Potter – The Boy Who Lived
Harry Potter is one of the few characters in literature and film that just about everyone can agree upon. As the hero of J.K. Rowling’s epic fantasy series, Harry is both an underdog and a valiant champion of good. His journey toward self-discovery, interwoven with his unwavering loyalty and courage, makes him an inspiring and beloved hero to fans everywhere.
2. Batman – The Dark Knight
An endlessly enduring character in the DC Comics universe, Batman continues to be a source of inspiration, admiration, and even fear. His origin story of a man choosing to face a powerful inner darkness to protect the innocent is both compelling and inspiring. From his iconic batmobile to his ruthless intellect, fearless determination, and unwavering loyalty, Batman has become one of the most popular characters in games, comics, TV shows and films.
3. Spider-Man – The Web Slinger
Marvel’s wall-crawling superhero has become an internationally beloved figure since his 1962 debut. The awkward teenager with powers he hadn’t asked for resonates with people from all walks of life. From his wise-cracking one-liners to his clever sleuthing and fight moves, Spider-Man continues to be a fan favorite.
4. Sherlock Holmes – The Great Detective
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famed detective has been a source of admiration and inspiration over the years. His peerless intellect and logical approach to solving complex cases have led many to consider him one of the most beloved characters of all time. Though not a superhuman, his complex thought processes and techniques have stayed with fans since his very first book.
5. Wonder Woman – The Amazonian Warrior
DC’s iconic female superhero has been a figure of inspiration since 1941. Wonder Woman’s empowering story of liberation and strength resonates with both men and women. Her audacity to embrace her misunderstood powers and use them to combat evil and help others has led her to become a powerful symbol of justice and peace for many.
6. Buffy Summers – The Vampire Slayer
Created by Joss Whedon, Buffy Summers is one of the most beloved characters of the early 2000s. Debuting in the 1992 movie, Buffy went on to star in its hit 1997 spin-off series. Buffy is the ultimate triumphant teen; she’s often knocked down, but she picks herself up and takes on the world’s monsters with rapidly growing strength and empowerment.
7. Deadpool – The Merc with a Mouth
This sardonic and sarcastic anti-hero made his debut in Marvel comics in 1991 and has held a major place in fans’ hearts ever since. Popular for his meta-quips and thinly veiled insults, Deadpool is a character with hidden depths who, despite his profane and zany exterior, has the power to move people with his story.
Whether they’re heroes, villains, or anti-heroes, the characters discussed here are only a few of the most popular in fandom stories. There are so many characters beloved for their evocative stories and impressive powers that it’s hard to narrow them all down. But these seven characters remain at the top of the list, making them powerful and lasting figures of inspiration for generations to come.
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