For less competent writers, though, it means that lapses in characterization aren't as damning because the reader sees the character not as incomplete or contradictory, but rather as a variation of some uber-character in the reader's mind.
I'm not sure this is always the case. There's clearly some line in the sand (which is probably different for every reader) as to what's acceptable unexplained variation and what isn't. When you get into explained variation- say Wax's story where Justin is totally different from the "fanon" Justin as a result of his kidnapping ordeal- I think for at least some percentage of the readership, facilitating that emotional bond between the reader and your new version of the character is actually more difficult than if you'd just created a character from scratch, because of the way readers feel protective of characters. (Particularly the case, I suspect, with readers who've read a lot in the fandom and are thus a bit jaded and less patient than someone newer might be.)
There's also the whole process of assimilating those existing characters into your vocabulary, if you will, so that you *can* write with them. That's a skill which isn't really needed when you're a solo original fiction writer. I suppose many original fiction writers would therefore devalue it, but I know I'm impressed by writers who manage to get it bang on target. :) (I can't write fictional people slash, with a handful of exceptions, because I never feel like my grip on the characters is strong enough to do them justice. So people who can do it confidently and well impress me. :)
Excuse me if I'm not being clear enough with my points, btw. It's 7am and I'm long out of the habit of structuring written arguements neatly. I think I need to go back to university.
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Date: 2003-02-03 10:54 pm (UTC)I'm not sure this is always the case. There's clearly some line in the sand (which is probably different for every reader) as to what's acceptable unexplained variation and what isn't. When you get into explained variation- say Wax's story where Justin is totally different from the "fanon" Justin as a result of his kidnapping ordeal- I think for at least some percentage of the readership, facilitating that emotional bond between the reader and your new version of the character is actually more difficult than if you'd just created a character from scratch, because of the way readers feel protective of characters. (Particularly the case, I suspect, with readers who've read a lot in the fandom and are thus a bit jaded and less patient than someone newer might be.)
There's also the whole process of assimilating those existing characters into your vocabulary, if you will, so that you *can* write with them. That's a skill which isn't really needed when you're a solo original fiction writer. I suppose many original fiction writers would therefore devalue it, but I know I'm impressed by writers who manage to get it bang on target. :) (I can't write fictional people slash, with a handful of exceptions, because I never feel like my grip on the characters is strong enough to do them justice. So people who can do it confidently and well impress me. :)
Excuse me if I'm not being clear enough with my points, btw. It's 7am and I'm long out of the habit of structuring written arguements neatly. I think I need to go back to university.