Inside vs. Outside(rs...lol)

[zevie]

I've read a few stories recently with excellent OFCs, and a couple of ones with good OMCs, too. I've never really been one for writing originals in fanfic, because I'm lazy, and until recently I wasn't fond of OFCs either, because, as I may have said before, I'm a big fat Outsider's snob. But, I've been proved mad wrong there, lol.

The general feeling seems to be that originals should be there for the purpose of expanding on the canon characters (correct me if I'm wrong here...). Do you guys find it easier to explore the canons through the eyes of someone else? Or, is it easier when you write from the canon character's own POV? How do you decide which POV to use to bring certain character traits or backstory to light?

[Nittanylizard]

I think it's awesome fun to write (and read) stories that take a step back from the characters as we know them to give a fresh perspective through a pair of eyes that don't know what's in Ponyboy's head.

I loved writing Someone to Watch Over Me (no longer posted), because it was the first time I could shake off everything I knew about the characters and show them as the tough guys they probably came across as. I really liked being Mikey for a while, simultaneously intrigued by and afraid of Ponyboy.

As far as reading OC's, I think that by the simple act of giving their own perspective on the characters, they expand on them. Of course, there are a bazillion stories where this doesn't work, often because the OC knows what is in Ponyboy's head and is simply rehashing his POV (Steve-hatred included, lol).

You're on a roll with these questions, Zevie ;D.

Liz

[Des]

It's easier for me to expand on the canon characters using an OFC or OMC. Especially if they know next to nothing about the previous events; ie the book.


And it gives me a POV outside the original gang to see the character's reactions to certain developments in the plot. OC's can be a really good source of action as long as it's not overdone.

[murderofcrows]

here here! i LOVE writing in oc's into all kinds of fandoms...it's just fun to take a completely different perspective